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July 8, 2010

U.S., Russia Negotiate Swap of Alleged Spies
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The U.S. and Russia are negotiating a swap in which ten alleged Russian
spies would be released in exchange for an alleged U.S. spy held for the
past decade in Russia. The Russian suspects were detained in recent days
following a reportedly decade-long investigation. Prosecutors have
claimed they were directed not to infiltrate U.S. agencies or steal
secrets, but to gather information on individuals and issues that could
affect U.S.-Russia relations. The rumored exchange is said to hinge on
the Russian suspects reaching a plea deal in a New York federal court.
On Thursday, one of the suspects, Vicky Peláez, a columnist for the New
York-based Spanish-language newspaper El Diario, was ordered to remain
in prison after having initially been granted release on bail. Defense
attorney John Rodriguez criticized the ruling.

John Rodriguez: "I can tell you she’s in poor spirits right now. She’s
not well. She’s tired. She had hoped to get out. Remember she’s in
secured facilities, in very little contact with anyone and she’s not
feeling well right now. She’s very saddened by the turn of events."