#605: 10-18-02 STATEMENT OF BARBARA COMSTOCK, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGARDING TODAY’S FILING IN SIBEL EDMONDS V. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2002

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

AG

(202) 616-2777

TDD (202) 514-1888

STATEMENT OF BARBARA COMSTOCK, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGARDING TODAY’S

FILING IN SIBEL EDMONDS V. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE:

“To prevent disclosure of certain classified and sensitive national security

information, Attorney General Ashcroft today asserted the state secrets

privilege in Sibel Edmonds v. Department of Justice. This assertion was made at

the request of FBI Director Robert Mueller in papers filed today in the U.S.

District Court for the District of Columbia. The Department of Justice also

filed a motion to dismiss the case, because the litigation creates substantial

risks of disclosing classified and sensitive national security information that

could cause serious damage to our country’s security.

“The state secrets privilege is well-established in federal law. It has been

recognized by U.S. courts as far back as the 19th century, and allows the

Executive Branch to safeguard vital information regarding the nation’s security

or diplomatic relations. In the past, this privilege has been applied many times

to protect our nation’s secrets from disclosure, and to require dismissal of

cases when other litigation mechanisms would be inadequate. It is an absolute

privilege that renders the information unavailable in litigation.”

###

02-605