By (AP)
Published: 23 Feb 2009 
Location: SACRAMENTO, Calif.

A federal judge on Monday urged top Obama administration officials to decide whether to continue to pursue the case against 11 Vietnam War veterans accused of trying to overthrow the communist government of Laos.

U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr. scolded federal prosecutors in Sacramento for considering new charges against the defendants nearly two years after they first were arrested.

He told prosecutors they should take the case "to the top" of the new administration before deciding whether to keep prosecuting former Laotian General Vang Pao, former U.S. Army officer Harrison Jack and nine other members of California's Hmong community.

Jack and the Hmong community leaders were accused in June 2007 of plotting to overthrow the communist Laotian government and face charges that include violating the federal Neutrality Act.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tice-Raskin told Damrell on Monday that it could be another four months before prosecutors decide what charges they could face at trial.

"What's been going on the last couple of years?" Damrell responded. "You don't even know what the charges are going to be, that's what you're telling me."

Tice-Raskin said prosecutors plan to seek a new indictment after reviewing more than 30,000 pages of evidence and transcripts of wiretaps, many in foreign languages. He said the case is not in doubt, but Sacramento prosecutors are consulting with national security officials in the U.S. Department of Justice.

"I would recommend, given the extraordinary nature of the case, that you take it to the top," Damrell said.

Tice-Raskin said the government's review of the case has been slow because he took over in December after the former lead prosecutor was appointed a county judge. He said the case is likely to be delayed for months while Damrell decides whether to allow evidence that prosecutors say could affect national security.

The judge's comments came after lead defense attorney John W. Keker said he will soon file a motion alleging government misconduct and asking for a review by new U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

"We're hoping that an independent review by people who have the power to say 'Enough is enough' will prompt the government to drop the case," Keker said.

Vang Pao and many members of the Hmong ethnic minority fought as U.S.-backed guerillas in Laos, but were all but abandoned when the country fell to communist forces in 1975. More than 300,000 refugees, mostly Hmong, fled into Thailand.

About 145,000 members of Laotian ethnic groups have resettled in California's Central Valley, Minneapolis, and cities throughout Wisconsin. They consider Vang Pao their leader.

The accused face up to life in prison if convicted.