WASHINGTON, March 28 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday called on the U.S. Congress to probe the FBI over its use of National Security Letters.
The ACLU said in a statement that U.S. lawmakers should "hold the agency's feet to the fire, citing concerns over recent revelations that the FBI abused National Security Letter authority expanded by the Patriot Act."
"The Inspector General's report highlighted the 739 'exigent' letters sent by the FBI. The FBI lied by claiming subpoenas would follow when they did not. (FBI)Director Robert Mueller should tell the committee who is responsible for the FBI sending 739 deliberately misleading letters," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office.
"We urge Director Mueller to be candid in his answers. He must remember that his oath is to uphold the Constitution -- not serve as a pawn in this administration's ongoing abuse of power," Fredrickson said.
"When we have a broken system of justice, no one's interests are served. But it's also clear that Director Mueller is not the only one responsible for this gross violation of our privacy. Congress must demand accountability from all those involved in violating the law," she said.
