WASHINGTON— On Aug. 7, the National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund fought efforts by the FBI and the Department of Justice to prevent Sibel D. Edmonds from testifying in a case of alleged election fraud. Sibel Edmonds is scheduled to testify before the Ohio Elections Commission in response to a subpoena in the Schmidt v. Krikorian case. Both the Department of Justice and the FBI are attempting to halt her from testifying.
On behalf of Edmonds, the Fund sent a letter earlier this week requesting that Attorney General Holder independently review the basis upon which the state secrets privilege was initially invoked against Edmonds.
On Aug. 6, Valerie Caproni, general counsel of the FBI, and Vesper Mei, senior counsel with the Department of Justice, responded by claiming that the subpoena to testify served on Edmonds was invalid and sought to bar her from appearing. The Department of Justice claimed that Edmonds is under “no compulsion” to testify in the Krikorian case and the FBI asserted that she “does not have approval for any disclosure of any information.”
Neither the Justice Department nor the FBI has stated why testimony in a case of alleged election fraud would involve state secrets or national security.
According to Sibel Edmonds’ counsel, Michael D. Kohn (the president of the National Whistleblowers Center), “The thrust of the government’s action is aimed at self-censorship of a witness. As far as we are concerned, if the government wants censorship then it must do it itself as Ms. Edmonds will have no part in censorship.”
To this end, Edmonds’ counsel responded to the FBI and Department of Justice, stating: “We hereby place you on notice that the failure to take appropriate action (i.e., seeking to quash the deposition dispatching legal counsel to the deposition, or raising the States Secrets Privilege before the Commission) may be construed as a waiver of any legitimate basis the FBI may have to keep Ms. Edmonds from testifying. … If you believe that the FBI or the Justice Department has any legal basis to halt the deposition or to prevent Ms. Edmonds from testifying, please take whatever action you deem necessary in that regard. The responsibility for doing so is yours not Ms. Edmonds.”
According to Kohn, “The First Amendment protects Sibel Edmonds’ right to testify truthfully without government intervention and we are disheartened that the Justice Department’s actions evidence a different approach.”
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Margaret
http://grantsforeducation.info
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on this important story given the mainsteam media is asleep at the wheel. You guys are doing cutting edge work on what might be one of the biggest stories of the decade. Once and for all it may be exposed what really goes on behind the scenes regarding the Armenian Genocide Resolution and the Turkish lobby, and further, if Sibel has her way, who is truly responsible for the September 11 events. It’s time to clear the air with some truth. If you haven’t seen her documentary, Kill the Messenger, watch it.
…….and thank you, Sibel.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6063340745569143497
Sibel, I consider you a hero, a patriot for your adopted nation, the United States of America… You brought to light the foul and deceitful policies pursued by our leadership, the various branches and departments of our government, as well as the vile actions of a nation who calls itself the ‘best ally’ of the United States. With such an ally, who needs enemies? Sadly, becoming a ‘whistle blower’ caused you to become mired in the convoluted maneuverings of those not interested in truths – but rather, have used all their efforts instead to use devious and dishonest methods to deter you. This brings to mind, as was done by another American patriot, who, rather than ‘blow the whistle’ he presented his findings in his book which was published and became available to the citizens of the United States of America. And, still upon publication he faced much derision, but his book had told it all… My heartfelt good wishes to you in all your endeavors. Manooshag
Dear Sibel,
I respect your moral issues, you have a strong and blessed personality.
God bless your mission and you will succeed.
Liberty and Justice for all but not for some.
I congratulate you.
Bedros