CFC # 10222

FAIR USE NOTICE

Despite a warning from his superiors, FBI Special Agent Bassem Youssef answered questions at a January 12 session of the ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Bassem Youssef is the Chief of the FBI's Communications Analysis Unit (CAU), and he is responsible for administering two highly controversial warrantless search programs created under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT ACT, including the "National Security Letters" program which was reported widely in 2007. 

Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Youssef coordinated the national counterterrorism investigation into the Islamic Group (the organization responsible for the first World Trade bombing), was the recipient of the prestigious “Director of Central Intelligence” award and was tapped by former FBI Director Louis Freeh to establish the FBI’s field office serving seven Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Kuwait. Mr. Youssef is the highest ranking Arab-American agent employed by the FBI. 

In July 2006, the Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility concluded that the FBI illegally retaliated against Mr. Youssef because Mr. Youssef had made whistleblower disclosures to the Director of the FBI and a Member of Congress.

Background Information

A Review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Use of National Security Letters,
DOJ OIG, March 9, 2007

FBI Report of Legat Riyadh: Youssef’s Four Years in Saudi Arabia

Director of Central Intelligence Award
Awarded to Mr. Youssef for his work in combating Middle Eastern Terrorism 

Performance Appraisal Reports of Bassem Youssef
These are some of Mr. Youssef’s Performance Evaluations during the time he worked in operational counterterrorism. 

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility
Report of Investigation of Whistleblower
Allegations by Federal Bureau of Investigation
Special Agent Bassem Youssef Finding Retaliation by the FBI
 

How You Can Help

There are two simple ways to show your support for Mr. Youssef. First, contact Attorney General Mukasey and tell him that he must not tolerate further retaliation against whistleblower Bassem Youssef by managers at the FBI. Take Action Now! Second, make a donation to the Bassem Youssef Defense Fund to help cover the costs and expenses incurred defending Mr. Youssef’s right to blow the whistle on FBI misconduct and to oppose discrimination against Arab Americans within the FBI. Just follow this link to Donate Now! and select “Bassem Youssef Defense Fund” from the program menu.

Related News Articles and Videos	Inside the FBI Counter Terrorism Division
Official Alerted F.B.I. to Rules Abuse 2 Years Ago Amid Concerns, FBI Lapses Went On FBI Agents Still Lacking Arabic Skills Arabic at the FBI FBI Terror Expertise Papers to Come Out More Articles and Videos	The National Whistleblower Center created a special page with links to the extensive sworn testimony and documentary evidence concerning the FBI’s actual response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Follow this link to the uncensored view of the domestic response to the September 11th attacks. Inside the FBI Page

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