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AAI Statement on the Grand Jury’s Indictment of State Department Employee

AAI
Posted on Tuesday August 21, 2007

WASHINGTON – Aug. 16, 2007 – Yesterday afternoon we were notified that the grand jury has returned two indictments charging Patrick Syring with violations of Threatening Communication in Interstate Commerce and violating the civil rights of the employees of the Arab American Institute.

James Zogby, the president of the Arab American Institute, said, “We are pleased with word that the grand jury has returned two indictments. This has been a matter of concern to me and my entire office. The Civil Rights Division of U.S. Department of Justice has been responsive, and we feel protected. The threats were both intimidating and frightening – and the fact that Mr. Syring was a 20 year career officer at the Department of State made it of even greater concern.”