Italy's high court upholds 23 American convictions in CIA rendition case

Judge Francesco Silocchi , center, looks on during a hearing at the Milan's court, Italy, Wednesday, Dec.15, 2010 of the appeal trial in the CIA-led kidnapping of an Egyptian terrorism suspect from the streets of Milan. / AP

(AP) ROME - Italy's highest court has upheld the convictions of 23 Americans in the kidnapping of an Egyptian terror suspect as part of the CIA's extraordinary rendition program.

The ruling on Wednesday marks the final appeal in the first trial anywhere in the world involving the CIA's practice of abducting terror suspects and transferring them to third countries where torture is permitted.

The 23 Americans all were convicted in absentia and have never been in Italian custody. They risk arrest if they travel to Europe.

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Those convicted include the former Milan CIA station chief, Robert Seldon Lady, who was sentenced to nine years. The other 22 Americans were sentenced to seven-year terms.

[p_syrus]

Not only should these 23 men be immediately extradited to italy, the Bush & Co. bosses who ordered such grossly unethical & illegal behavior should be put on trial in a neutral country for their promotion of torture and crimes against humanity.

[pon115]

What country do you live in ?

[lucifersshadow]

I agree 100% . . . when uncivilized behavior is allowed, and those who have broken international laws go unpunished, civilization as we know it becomes threatened.

[wolfmagic2012]

It is especially hypocritical as well as highly illegal internationally, for a country to decry torture, then render their "suspects" to a country that has no problem with torture. It is criminal. Way to go Italy! Patriotism does not extend to condoning illegal acts.

[tsigili]

We have already seen how Italy's courts convict the innocent.

[crapazz]

Are you debating the proofs that incriminated the CIA agents? Because the consensus is actually pretty broad on them. There is really no doubt that CIA agents did what the Italian courts say they did. Or are you arguing in favor of CIA's legal immunity to act as they wish on territory that belongs to another sovereign country?
You don't seem to have thought trough your comment.