WASHINGTON — A federal judge wants a closer examination of allegations that a defense contractor knowingly hired interpreters who failed language proficiency exams and sent them to work alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema on Friday rejected a bid by the contractor, Mission Essential Personnel of Columbus, Ohio, to have the case thrown out. Attorneys for the company argued the suit brought by Paul Funk, a former Mission Essential Personnel employee-turned-whistleblower, is based on speculation and assertions.

But Brinkema disagreed. She said she is allowing the case to move forward because the service being provided to the government — qualified translators working in a war zone — is so important to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.

See: San Francisco Examiner

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