The Failed Pacifist

Library Challenges FBI Demand

The Washington Post is reporting that an unknown library is suing the Justice Department, challenging an FBI demand for the library's records. The name of the library and the details of the complaint are secret because the USA Patriot Act prohibits the public disclosure of that information.

Remember when Alberto Gonzales stated the FBI had never asked for library records? During Senate testimony last April he said the Justice Dept. "has no interest in rummaging through the library records or medical records of Americans".

But that provision is separate from the one that governs the kind of letter used in the Connecticut case. Justice and FBI officials have repeatedly declined to say how many times such letters have been served on any kind of institution, including libraries.

posted by Doran @ 8:03 AM