Military court orders McKinney hearing open to media

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The military's highest court Monday ordered the Army to allow media coverage of a preliminary hearing in the sexual misconduct case against Sergeant Major of the Army Gene McKinney.

The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces overturns the Army's decision to close the hearing. It came after several news organizations, including CNN, as well as attorneys for McKinney and his alleged victims argued the proceedings should be open to media coverage.

The preliminary hearing, known as an Article 32 proceeding, is to determine if there is enough evidence for McKinney to face a court-martial. The hearing is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

McKinney is the Army's top enlisted soldier. He faces 18 criminal charges for sexual misconduct, including adultery and indecent assault, based on the statements of four female accusers.

• Message Board - Military Sex Scandals

Related stories:

• Army sergeant's hearing on court-martial delayed - June 20, 1997
• Army's top enlisted man charged with sex misconduct - May 7, 1997
• Jury sentences Army sergeant to 25 years for rape - May 6, 1997
• Army sergeant sentenced to 25 years for rape - May 6, 1997

Related sites:

• U.S. Army
• Dept. of Defense - Sexual Harassment

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