U.S. Says Releasing Dead Bin Laden Photos Still Dangerous

U.S. Marines watch TV announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011

The U.S. government says it is still not ready to release photographs taken of slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's body because they still could lead to violence.

Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, is using the Freedom of Information Act to seek the release of photographs.

But the Central Intelligence Agency has withheld 52 documents related to the operations that killed bin Laden, citing exemptions for classified materials and information specifically exempted by other laws.

On January 10, Judicial Watch argued in a U.S. appellate court in Washington that the government has not provided a specific enough reason for denying their request.

But Justice Department lawyer Robert Loebe cited national security concerns, telling the court the photos would be used by Al-Qaeda to "inflame tensions" and "inspire retaliatory attacks."

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters