CIA terminates a female employee who accused the agency of retaliating over sexual assault claim

The Central Intelligence Agency has reportedly fired a female employee who claimed she was sexually assaulted in a stairwell of the agency, according to NBC News. She accused the governmental agency of trying to dissuade her from filing a criminal complaint about the incident.

The woman's attorney, Kevin Carroll, claimed that the CIA's termination of the unnamed woman was a clear example of brazen retaliation. Her case has motivated at least two dozen more to come forward, claiming that they had also been sexually assaulted by those within the agency. The development has led to an inquiry from the CIA Office of Inspector General.

Carroll went on to suggest that his client's termination was a case of "unlawful retaliation against a whistleblower to Congress, the inspector general and law enforcement about workplace sexual violence at the agency."

“The only reason to terminate her is to intimidate all the other women from coming forward (about alleged sexual misconduct).”

However, the CIA has pushed back against Carroll's claims. "This statement is factually inaccurate. To be clear, CIA does not tolerate sexual assault, sexual harassment, or whistleblower retaliation,” spokesperson Tammy Thorp said.

Carroll said the situation began after his client failed the CIA's clandestine officer training program. When this has happened in the past, employees are free to apply to other positions within the agency. However, Carroll's client applied for another job but was not selected. She was subsequently dismissed on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

The agency said the woman did not pass the clandestine training due to her poor writing skills. But Carroll — who said he had communicated with his client for months — claimed she was an excellent writer and that it was alarming that the agency arrived at a different conclusion.

But the agency did not give in.

“Regarding allegations related to the agency’s rigorous training, as you would expect, CIA uses consistent processes to ensure the fair and equal treatment of every officer going through training. Our mission demands no less,” Thorp said.

Former CIA officers chimed in on the issue. They suggested that a significant portion of those who go through the clandestine training do not pass, and they are not guaranteed another job within the agency if they fail.

Ashkan Bayatpour — who the woman accused of wrapping a scarf around her neck and threatening her — was convicted of a state misdemeanor charge of assault and battery in a court in Virginia last year.

The investigation is still ongoing.

https://www.theblaze.com/news/cia-terminates-a-female-employee-who-accused-the-agency-of-retaliating-over-sexual-assault-claim

High Court NZYQ decision: How many sex offenders, murderers and kidnappers have been released into the community by Anthony Albanese's government

Documents tendered in Parliament reveal shocking figures

The shock releases from immigration detention, which came after a bombshell High Court decision, include seven people who were convicted of murder or attempted murder.

The shock figures also include 37 people who were convicted of sexual based offending, including child sexual offences.

Another 72 were convicted of assault, violent offending, kidnapping or armed robbery, and 16 were convicted of domestic violence or stalking.

There were also 13 people who have been convicted of serious drug offences and up to five who were convicted of people smuggling or crimes of serious international concern.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13072585/sex-offenders-murderers-kidnappers-released-Anthony-Albanese.html

Elderly man is confirmed as first person to die from Alaskapox virus

An elderly man from Alaska has become the first person to die after contracting Alaskapox.

The recently discovered viral disease is a double-stranded DNA virus which is believed to mainly circulate between mammals, occasionally transmitting to humans.

Symptoms include skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain.

The victim, from Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, was receiving treatment for the illness in hospital when he died in late January, the Alaskan health department confirmed.

The department added the man had a history of a drug-induced weakened immune system which likely contributed to the severity of his illness.

The victim is one of only seven confirmed Alaskapox infections, Sky News reports. The first was identified in an adult in 2015 who suffered a rash and swollen lymph nodes.

All previous patients, all from the Fairbanks region, didn’t need treatment and only suffered mild infections.

Officials said the source of the man’s exposure to the virus was ‘unclear’ – although he had reported caring for a stray cat at his home which had scratched him, possibly causing the transmission.

A health department report said the Alaskapox virus merited ‘increased statewide awareness’ among medical staff, due to its seemingly widespread transmission in small mammals.

It recommended anyone with suspected Alaskapox should avoid touching lesions, keep them dry and covered, and regularly washing hands.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/health/other/elderly-man-is-confirmed-as-first-person-to-die-from-alaskapox-virus/ar-BB1i7Nrs