Mr. Robert Mueller III
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20535-0001

Dear Director Mueller:

I am writing to express my concern regarding the human rights abuses suffered by the individuals detained in the United States in connection with the investigations into the attacks of September 11, as documented in Human Rights Watch's report, "Presumption of Guilt: Human Rights Abuses of Post-September 11 Detainees."

I am deeply concerned by the allegations of misconduct by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents. According to Human Rights Watch's study, some non-citizens were targeted for questioning in a haphazard manner resulting from random encounters with law enforcement officials or neighbors' suspicions based on little more than national origin and religion. Agents questioned some non-citizens about criminal activity without advising them of their right to remain silent and have an attorney present, and at times made intimidating and abusive remarks. In addition, material witness warrants have been used in some cases to detain possible criminal suspects who could not otherwise be held in custody on criminal charges and who apparently had not violated immigration laws.

I urge you to ensure that the investigation and detention of persons suspected of having links to terrorism are conducted with full regard for the rights of all persons in the United States to be free of discrimination, arbitrary detention, mistreatment in confinement, and violations of due process.

FBI agents should not target persons for arrest or investigation based on their national origin, race, religion, or gender. Anyone questioned about terrorism should be informed of their right to remain silent, have an attorney (court-appointed, if necessary) present, and contact their consulate as stipulated by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The FBI should also not use material witness warrants to circumvent due process in its investigation into terrorist activities.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your response.

Respectfully,