A Central Intelligence Agency analyst accused of leaking classified materials about Israel’s preparations for October’s attack on the Islamic Republic was ordered into custody pending his trial, according to a ruling from a federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday.
United States District Judge Patricia Tolliver-Giles reversed an earlier magistrate decision, which had allowed Asif Rahman to remain free as he prepared to defend himself against charges he unlawfully retained and transmitted national defense information.
Rahman, who held a top-secret security clearance, was apprehended in Cambodia on November 12 while serving at the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh.
Prosecutors allege the 34-year-old shared sensitive documents from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency via a Telegram account, revealing the Israeli military repositioning assets in anticipation of operations targeting the regime in Tehran.
Court filings suggest Rahman’s actions were driven by ideological motives, likely fueled by personal animosity toward the Jewish state.
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