CIA warns ex-agents over talking to media

This is one way to stifle embarrassing information. --Dictynna

By Demetri Sevastopulo in Washington
Published: April 26 2006 22:05 | Last updated: April 26 2006 23:51

The Central Intelligence Agency has warned former employees not to have unapproved contacts with reporters, as part of a mounting campaign by the administration to crack down on officials who leak information on national security issues.

A former official said the CIA recently warned several retired employees who have consulting contracts with the agency that they could lose their pensions by talking to reporters without permission. He added that while the threats might be legally “hollow,” they were having a chilling effect on former employees.