ACLU wants gag order lifted for clients seeking to block FBI access to li

ACLU wants gag order lifted for clients seeking to block FBI access to library records

By John Christoffersen
ASSOCIATED PRESS

2:20 p.m. August 31, 2005

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The American Civil Liberties Union urged a federal judge Wednesday to lift a gag order on a client from whom the FBI is demanding records about library patrons under the Patriot Act.

Federal prosecutors say allowing that could jeopardize an investigation into terrorism or spying.

"It is a very logical assumption that the individual who is under investigation will learn that he is under investigation," said U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor. "That individual is likely to stop doing what he is doing."

The ACLU claims the gag order is preventing the client from participating in a debate over the Patriot Act, which Congress is considering reauthorizing.
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http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050831