Deliberations to start in trial of 26 Americans accused of kidnapping Egypt cleric from Italy

Verdict due in CIA extraordinary rendition trial

MILAN — A judge is expected to begin deliberating the fate of 26 Americans and seven Italians accused of kidnapping an Egyptian terror suspect from a Milan street in 2003. It is the first trial in the world involving the CIA’s extraordinary rendition program.

After a nearly three-year trial, prosecutors made final statements Wednesday.

The American suspects — all but one identified by prosecutors as CIA agents — are accused of kidnapping Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, on Feb. 17, 2003, then transferring him to U.S. bases in Italy and Germany.

He was moved to Egypt, where he says he was tortured. He was released after four years in prison without being charged.

The Italian government has denied any role; the CIA has declined to comment.