**Virginia Jury Clears Former CIA Officer Ashkan Bayatpour of Assault Charges**

A Virginia jury has acquitted Ashkan Bayatpour, a former CIA officer, in a case that sparked significant reforms within the Central Intelligence Agency's approach to sexual assault allegations. Bayatpour expressed his gratitude, stating he was relieved that a jury believed his side of the story and found him not guilty.

The accusations against Bayatpour surfaced in 2022 from Rachel Cuda, another former CIA officer in training. Cuda alleged that Bayatpour, while in a stairwell at the agency's headquarters, wrapped a scarf around her neck, choked her, and attempted to kiss her. She revealed her identity publicly for the first time last week in an interview with CBS News.

Cuda described her efforts to report the incident to her immediate supervisor and various CIA offices, only to find there was no formal process for handling claims of sexual misconduct. She shared her frustration with CBS News, stating she was kept in the dark about the handling of her case and was not provided with appropriate updates to ensure her safety.

Despite a series of internal investigations by the CIA that cleared Bayatpour of any wrongdoing, Cuda took her case to law enforcement. Bayatpour was then charged with misdemeanor assault and battery rather than the sexual assault charges initially alleged by Cuda.

The case led to sweeping reforms within the CIA. Cuda testified behind closed doors to the House Intelligence Committee, accompanied by 25 other whistleblowers. Their collective testimonies revealed the agency's failure to address allegations of sexual assault and harassment adequately.

This led Congress to enact legislation last December, mandating the CIA to develop new policies and training for handling such allegations. This includes the provision for a special victims investigator for each case and allowing victims to report confidentially. In an interview with CBS News, CIA spokesperson Tammy Thorpe admitted the previous reporting process was confusing and noted that the agency now encourages employees to approach law enforcement with their concerns.

Cuda, who was fired from the CIA last year after failing to pass officer training, claims her dismissal was retaliatory. Her attorney expressed disappointment with the trial's outcome but emphasized their respect for the jury's decision, condemning efforts to harm her reputation.

Bayatpour, who resigned from the CIA last year, referred to the past two years as a nightmare marked by false accusations. He shared his hope to rebuild his life and expressed appreciation for those who supported him throughout the ordeal. "I thank everyone who has stood by me," he said, noting that he would have more to share in the future.