ACLU asks FBI to release documents on SoCal Muslims

AP on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 5/16/06 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union have asked the FBI to reveal any post-Sept. 11 surveillance of Southern California Muslims.

The ACLU made the request for documents Monday, after Islamic leaders said the FBI gave them little information when they alleged that investigators had been monitoring local Muslims and mosques.

Using the Freedom of Information Act, the ACLU filed the request on behalf of six Islamic organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, along with several individual Muslims.

Shakeel Syed, head of the Islamic Shura Council, said many Southern California Muslims have reported being questioned by the FBI about sermons delivered in local mosques.

"People are asking me if it is safe to worship," said Ranjana Natarajan, an attorney working on the request. "People began to worry that maybe there is something wrong with going to the mosque."

In an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times, FBI officials said they would address the ACLU's request but did not mention turning over documents.

"The FBI does not investigate anyone based on their lawful activities, religious or political beliefs," said J. Stephen Tidwell, Assistant Director of the FBI's Los Angeles office.

The government has 20 days to respond to the ACLU's request under the Freedom of Information Act.

[theDentist]

"People began to worry that maybe there is something wrong with going to the mosque."

Of course not. But if the Imam begins preaching on how and why to kill infidels, we have the right to be very concerned.

[Son Of The Godfather]

>>>The government has 20 days to respond to the ACLU's request under the Freedom of Information Act.

I know how I'd like them to respond.

[Publius6961]

Does anyone have a copy of the Freedom of Information Act"?
I doubt very much if it was subtitled The Useful Idiots Act enabling treason and sedition...

That's just a wild guess.

[Publius6961]

But if the Imam begins preaching on how and why to kill infidels, we have the right to be very concerned informed.

A small fix...

[talleyman]

Dear ACLU: "We have that information for you - it's at Gitmo - let's go see it..."

[Grampa Dave]

[sheik yerbouty]

A new mosque recently opened in Anaheim. Two of the three founders are in deep shi'ite. One has been indicted for sending funds to Al Qaida, and the other agreed to be deported to a jihadistan. BTW, Anaheim school buses let kids out right in front of this mosque every day. Does anyone want to bet their kids on a Beslan? Maybe the ACLU should address this.