CIA Officer Charged with Assault at Birthday Party

Veteran CIA officer Donald Asquith faces misdemeanor assault and battery charges after allegedly groping and forcibly kissing a colleague during his 50th birthday party, just days after the CIA pledged to address sexual misconduct within its ranks. An internal watchdog report, classified as 'secret', revealed systemic shortcomings in the CIA's handling of sexual misconduct complaints, with critics arguing that such issues should not be considered state secrets. Numerous women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, claiming a culture of silence and retaliation within the agency. One former trainee reported an assault but faced job termination after suing the agency, highlighting persistent issues despite the CIA's assurances of reform. The agency maintains that it takes allegations seriously and has restricted Asquith's contact with the alleged victim since the incident. Asquith's trial is set to begin soon, further scrutinizing the agency's responses to such serious allegations.