Nation : Poindexter Defense Rests Case Without Calling Him to Testify

WASHINGTON — The defense rested its case today in the Iran-Contra cover-up trial of former national security adviser John M. Poindexter, after 5 1/2 days of testimony.

The case drew to a close without any testimony from Poindexter, who is accused of concealing from Congress the U.S. role in a November, 1985, Iran arms shipment and Oliver L. North’s secret military assistance to the Contras.

Among the final witnesses for Poindexter was Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove), who testified that there were frequent meetings between North and up to 30 congressmen during the period of a congressional ban on military aid to the Contras.

At the meetings, North was told by the congressmen that “we don’t think you are limited” by the ban and that it was permissible for North to help raise money for the Contras, Dornan testified.

Since the defense opened its case March 20, Poindexter’s lawyers have sought to portray the ex-national security adviser as a White House official who never lied to Congress.