Novak: My role in Plame leak probe

[T_i_B]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-novak12.html

WASHINGTON -- Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has informed my attorneys that, after 2-1/2 years, his investigation of the CIA leak case concerning matters directly relating to me has been concluded. That frees me to reveal my role in the federal inquiry that, at the request of Fitzgerald, I have kept secret.

I have cooperated in the investigation while trying to protect journalistic privileges under the First Amendment and shield sources who have not revealed themselves. I have been subpoenaed by and testified to a federal grand jury. Published reports that I took the Fifth Amendment, made a plea bargain with the prosecutors or was a prosecutorial target were all untrue.

For nearly the entire time of his investigation, Fitzgerald knew -- independent of me -- the identity of the sources I used in my column of July 14, 2003. A federal investigation was triggered when I reported that former Ambassador Joseph Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame Wilson, was employed by the CIA and helped initiate his 2002 mission to Niger. That Fitzgerald did not indict any of these sources may indicate his conclusion that none of them violated the Intelligence Identities Protection Act.

Some journalists have badgered me to disclose my role in the case, even demanding I reveal my sources -- identified in the column as two senior Bush administration officials and an unspecified CIA source. I have promised to discuss my role in the investigation when permitted by the prosecution, and I do so now.

[Monkeyman]

1. You all should go to Lynn Sweets Bolg at Suntimes

You should read the right wing nut cases .One said Plame is just a clean up women at the CIA where do these people come from eeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkk

[T_i_B]

2. It's bad enough reading the Fitzmas/Hoaxmas threads on here!

I'll try not to mention Jason Leopold or when Karl Rove may or may not be indicted.

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