(a) Expedited processing requests. Requests for expedited processing shall be submitted to the Coordinator in accordance with §§ 1900.03, 1900.11, and 1900.12. Such requests will be approved only when a compelling need is established to the satisfaction of the Agency. Within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of a request for expedited processing, the Agency will decide whether to grant expedited processing and will notify the requester of its decision. A compelling need is deemed to exist:

(1) When the matter involves an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or

(2) When the request is made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information and the information is relevant to a subject of public urgency concerning an actual or alleged Federal Government activity.

(b) Expedited processing appeals. Denials of requests for expedited processing may be appealed to the CIA's Agency Release Panel via the Coordinator and shall be acted upon expeditiously.