Virginia Jury Acquits Former CIA Officer

Ashkan Bayatpour, a former CIA officer, was acquitted by a Virginia jury of assaulting fellow trainee Rachel Cuda, who alleged he choked her with a scarf and attempted to kiss her in a stairwell at CIA headquarters in 2022. The jury's decision came after a three-day trial where Bayatpour maintained his actions were misunderstood jokes, while Cuda expressed frustration over the lack of a formal process to report sexual misconduct within the CIA. The case spurred significant changes at the agency, leading to a Congressional investigation that revealed systemic failures in handling sexual assault allegations. Following Cuda's testimony, over two dozen female CIA employees came forward with their own complaints of harassment, prompting reforms in reporting and support mechanisms. While Bayatpour expressed relief at his not guilty verdict, Cuda criticized the outcome and the tactics used during the trial, highlighting the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual misconduct in the workplace. The case underscores the urgent need for improved policies and victim support within the CIA to prevent future incidents.