Democrats call for probe after FBI questions Lawrence anarchists
Three Democratic congressmen on Tuesday asked the Justice Department to investigate the FBI’s questioning of potential protesters in advance of this summer’s political conventions — questioning that included agents knocking on the doors of Lawrence anarchists.
” We recognize the obvious importance of protecting the conventions from violence and threats of violence,” said the letter, signed by three Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. “However, based upon our review of recent media accounts, the FBI appears to be engaged in systematic political harassment and intimidation of legitimate anti-war protesters.”
Text of congressional letter requesting probe of FBI
6News: Local anarchists uneasy with FBI attention (7-28-04)The FBI in late July questioned at least two members of a Lawrence anarchist group prior to the Democratic National Convention. Agents said they were checking out a tip that a group planned to firebomb media vehicles at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
Anti-war activists in other states were also questioned by the FBI in the days preceding the Boston convention.
Lawrence anarchists denied plans for violence, and said they feared the government was seizing an opportunity to investigate or harass them for their anti-capitalist, anti-war views.
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