Prosecutors seek halt on Hollinger documents

United States government lawyers have asked for a halt to the exchange of documents in all three of the major U.S. civil suits involving scandal-plagued Hollinger International Inc. With criminal charges now laid against former Hollinger executives David Radler and Mark Kipnis, the U.S. Attorneys say it would prejudice their case if the "discovery" process continues in any of the suits. The three cases include a suit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission against Mr. Radler, former Hollinger chairman Conrad Black and holding company Hollinger Inc.; a suit filed by Hollinger International against Lord Black, Mr. Radler and others; and a class-action suit filed by shareholders of Hollinger International. In the suit where it is the plaintiff, Hollinger International says it is willing to agree to a limited stay, to Dec. 1. HLR (NYSE) fell 9 cents (U.S.) to $10.18.