FBI Placed Left-Wing Activists On Terrorism Watch List Without Cause

[cal04]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/fbi_wrongly_placed_left-wing_activists_on_terrorism_watch_list.php

The FBI had a weak factual basis for opening and extending some investigations of U.S. activist groups and put individuals affiliated with Greenpeace USA on the terrorist watch list improperly, a report by the Justice Department's Inspector General released Monday found.

In addition, FBI Director Robert Mueller was also found to have unintentionally provided inaccurate testimony to Congress because he was given bad information. FBI personnel told him that certain persons of interest in international terrorism matters were expected to be present at an anti-war rally in Pittsburgh in 2002, according to the report.

The review addressed FBI activities from 2001 to 2006 related to the Thomas Merton Center; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA); Greenpeace USA; The Catholic Worker; and an individual described as a Quaker peace activist.

None of these groups were targeted by the FBI on the basis of their First Amendment activities, the report found. But the factual bases for opening some investigations of individuals affiliated with the groups were weak. The FBI also extended the duration of investigations without adequate basis in some cases, and the bureau improperly retained information about the groups in its files.


IG: FBI gave inaccurate statements claiming terror link to anti-war rally
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/09/fbi-gave-inaccurate-statements-claiming-terror-link-antiwar-rally/

[gratuitous]

1. So what's their recourse?

Or do they just have to live forever with this screw up? And if they were not targeted "on the basis of their First Amendment activities," just what was the basis for their coming under the watchful eye of Big Brother? I'm sure it wasn't any kind of political abuse, because if that were the case, it would make sense for the current administration to do something about it, and I sure as the world don't expect that.

[Doctor_J]

2. Shocking

:sarcasm:

As I like to say, while Stupid was president, "if you're not on the no-fly list, you're not trying hard enough"

[WVRICK13]

3. I'm On The Detain And Harass

before letting him board list. Every single time I have flown since my activities in the anti-war marches I have been singled out for "special handling." Isn't that a cute phrase for harassment?

[Doctor_J]

4. and terrorism

Terrorism is the attempt to alter a group's activity by threatening its members.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. I guess I wasn't trying hard enough

and trust me... I was...