Judge won't force drugs on accused spy (for Saddam)

[Barrett808]

Judge won't force drugs on accused spy
By LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - A judge ruled that the government cannot force a defendant in an Iraq spy case to take medication to make her competent to stand trial, a severe setback to prosecutors in a case filled with intrigue.

Susan Lindauer is accused of conspiring to act as a spy for the Iraqi Intelligence Service and engaging in banned financial transactions with Saddam Hussein's government.

But psychiatrists say Lindauer suffers from delusions of grandiosity and paranoia, including beliefs that she is an angel and that the intelligence community blew up her computer modem. At least a half-dozen mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist retained by the government, have found Lindauer incompetent to stand trial, U.S. District Judge Michael Mukasey said.

The judge on Wednesday rejected the government's request that it be permitted to administer drugs to try to make her competent. Mukasey also questioned the strength of the case against Susan Lindauer.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060907/ap_on_re_us/iraq_spy_case