the Sugar Conspiracy

Friday, November 07, 2003

Patriot Act abuse

The FBI has used the sweeping powers of anti-terrorist legislation enacted in the panicky aftermath of September 11 against the owner of a Las Vegas strip club suspected of bribing local council officials.

Justice department officials say the events in Las Vegas mark the first time the FBI has tried to extend the use of the Patriot Act to a corruption investigation.

The move was described by civil rights groups yesterday as proof of the dangers of giving such a free hand to the security agencies.

The Patriot Act allows the FBI and other agencies to seize private documents - such as medical records and college transcripts - without obtaining a warrant, or showing probable cause.

It does not require the authorities to admit they have undertaken such actions.

"The attorney general didn't tell Congress that he needed the Patriot Act to raid nudie bars." - Laura Murphy, ACLU

posted by chris at 11:49 AM
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