Bergdahl lawyer wants interrogation made public

HOUSTON – The lawyer for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier held prisoner by the Taliban for five years, is asking the Army to publicly release a transcript of his interview with military officials.

Bergdahl is facing charges, including desertion, for leaving his post in Afghanistan in 2009. A hearing is scheduled Thursday.

In documents filed with the military, attorney Eugene Fidell says the interrogation transcript and an investigative report could help counteract negative publicity.

Fidell argues Bergdahl may not receive a fair trial "given the prolonged barrage of opprobrium that has been heaped upon him over the last year." He released the documents Tuesday.

The commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command will decide whether the case is referred to a court-martial. A spokesman says the command will respond "in due course."