Investigation by Italian authorities Joseph L. Romano

image cia s surveillance of hassan mustafa osama nasr recovered during investigations prosecuting authority of milan

at time of hassan nasr kidnapping, romano commander of 31st security forces squadron stationed in aviano air base near venice. on june 27, 2005, made subject of europe-wide arrest warrant, centering on contentions of italian authorities in charge of security operations during kidnapping of nasr in february, 2003. subsequent formal transmission of arrest warrants eurojust judicial coordination office meant became effective throughout e.u. member countries, , romano , 22 other u.s. nationals named in warrant subject immediate arrest within respective jurisdictions. among evidentiary points cited in warrant, issued tribunale di milano, fact 1 of 4 subscribed numbers traced authorities having transmitted scene of kidnapping aviano assigned to, owned , used col. romano.

a formal indictment issued judge caterina interlandi on february 16, 2007. romano – military officer among 26 u.s. nationals indicted – has refused comment on allegations. “i have nothing say,” has said, referring questions “alleged incident i’m supposedly involved in” air force senior leadership , service’s public affairs office.

on november 4, 2009, romano, along 22 other americans, convicted in absentia in italian court alleged role in hassn nasr kidnapping. judge in case, oscar maggi, sentenced romano 5 years in prison. however, unlikely romano ever serve time. reacting verdict, pentagon press secretary geoff s. morrell stated our view italian court has no jurisdiction on lieutenant colonel (joseph) romano , should have dismissed charges. have not, will, of course, explore options have going forward . referring convictions, state department spokesman ian kelly stated disappointed verdicts against americans , italians charged in milan alleged involvement in case involving egyptian cleric abu omar .