NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2008
Judge: Release Rosenberg Spy Case Docs
Sealed Grand Jury Testimony In Notorious 1950s Espionage Trial Ordered Open
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Ethel and Julius Rosenberg (pictured on March 1, 1951) were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage. Theirs was the first execution of civilians for espionage in U.S. history. But questions about the innocence of one or both of them continue to this day. (AP (file))
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Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled Tuesday regarding the testimony of several witnesses whose sealed testimony was taken in 1950 and 1951. He cited the needs of historians.
Federal prosecutors had already agreed to release the records of 35 of the 45 witnesses. Hellerstein's rulings mean testimony from all but three witnesses can be public.
The judge gave the government two months to appeal.
Although they proclaimed their innocence and took the Fifth Amendment in court, the Rosenbergs were convicted in March 1951 of conspiracy to commit espionage, in relation to the passing of atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.
Primary evidence against the couple was by David Greenglass (Ethel's brother), a servicemember stationed at Los Alamos nuclear laboratory, and his wife, Ruth. Ruth was granted immunity from prosecution.
The Rosenbergs were executed in 1953.
Their prosecution and alleged guilt was a source of controversy even after their deaths.
In 2001, Greenglass recanted, telling 60 Minutes II that he gave false testimony about his sister at the behest of prosecutors.
Recent court documents revealed that Ruth Greenglass had passed away earlier this year, when requests to open files in the case were held contingent upon the deaths or consent of witnesses.
For more information visit the National Committee To Reopen The Rosenberg Case.
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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And why, after 50+ years, is the testimony of these three witnesses still going to be kept secret?
Somebody powerful might be embarrassed?
It will take at least this long for the truth to emerge about the NeoCon 9/11 attack on the United States...
They were executed for being white & pasty and wearing clothes from the Mens Wearhouse and Lane Bryant.