Watch CBS News

Classified documents prompt debate in Bowe Bergdahl case

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina -- A U.S. Army judge is considering how to handle thousands of documents, many of them classified, that will be part of the case against a soldier who walked off an outpost in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl appeared on Tuesday before an Army judge for the pretrial hearing at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Bowe Bergdahl speaks for the first time in popular "Serial" podcast 02:09

The judge is preparing an order that will shape how the defense can use classified information to prepare its case.

Prosecutor Capt. Michael Petrusic estimated the discovery process could involve more than 300,000 pages.

Defense attorney Lt. Col. Frank Rosenblatt argued the prosecution's desired approach would place obstacles in front of Bergdahl's lawyers.

Bergdahl's military trial is expected to start this summer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.