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Judge Will Release Letters in Libby Case
The Associated Press

Thursday 31 May 2007

Washington - A federal judge said Thursday he will release more than 150 letters he received regarding next week's sentencing of former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

The letters are expected to show that, despite his conviction in March of perjury and obstruction in the CIA leak case, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney retains support from current and former government officials.

Libby opposed the release of the letters, saying the writers never expected their words to be made public. Attorneys for several news organizations, including The Associated Press, responded last week by saying the law required the letters be released.

U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton agreed, citing a need for transparency.

"The court has received more than 150 sentencing letters in this case, some urging leniency for the defendant and some expressing opprobrium at the defendant's actions and calling for the imposition of a substantial prison sentence," Walton wrote.

The letters will be released after Libby is sentenced Tuesday, Walton said. Addresses and other personal information will not be released.