FBI director promises changes

Описание: (14 Jun 2003) SHOTLIST
1. Wide shot Mueller being introduced and stepping to podium
2. Wide shot audience
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Mueller, FBI Director:
"When it comes to working within the limits of the law, the FBI has hard-won experience at making the difficult judgement calls that are sometimes necessary during investigations. And while there have been mistakes in the past, and there have been, it is in response to these mistakes that the bureau has become better. Over the years, strict legal limitations and vigorous oversight structures have been enacted to specifically regulate how domestic intelligence operations are conducted and to enforce strict adherence to the constitution."
4. Wide shot cutaway side view Mueller on stage, photographer in foreground
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Mueller, FBI Director:
"The FBI will be judged, not just on how effectively we disrupt and deter terrorism, but also on how we protect the civil liberties, constitutional rights of all Americans, including those who wish to do us ill. (Applause) We in the FBI must accomplish both, so that future generations can enjoy lives that are both safe, and are free."
6. Mid shot ACLU sign hanging behind podium
7. Wide shot audience
8. Mid shot Mueller thanking all and then shaking hands with ACLU official

STORYLINE

Faced with a highly critical report, Federal Bureau of Investigation director Robert Mueller on Friday promised changes in the handling of illegal immigrants suspected of having links to terrorism.

In a speech to an American Civil Liberties Union conference in Washington DC, Mueller said the report last week from the Justice Department's inspector general "did a very good job of pointing out areas where we can do better".

The inspector general, Glenn A. Fine, criticised the lengthy detentions, some up to eight months, of many of the 762 foreigners held in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks.

He also questioned the FBI's assumption of sole authority to decide whether individuals remained a threat.

Conditions of custody were often unduly harsh and none of the detainees were convicted of terrorism-related offences, with such charges brought only against one, Zacarias Moussaoui.

Mueller said the changes included better criteria for deciding when an illegal immigrant was a suspect of special concern, improved communication between agencies to accelerate the disposition of the cases and more personnel devoted to the investigations.

In addition, federal immigration officials are to have greater authority over custody of these illegal aliens, with the FBI taking over only if the case is made in writing that the release of an individual poses a threat or would disrupt an investigation.

The fate of September 11 detainees was only one of the issues that drew criticism from the civil liberties union in the war against terrorism.

The ACLU has repeatedly fought against government secrecy, questioned the increased surveillance powers under the USA Patriot Act and raised concern that the FBI singles out Muslims for investigation.

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