US criticised for 'secret arrests'

Phones were tapped within hours of the attacks

American civil liberties groups have criticised the government for failing to release information about individuals detained after 11 September.

More than 1,000 people have been detained since the attacks on the United States, most of whom remain in custody according to Justice Department figures.

The secret detention of more than 800 people over the past few weeks is frighteningly close to the practice of 'disappearing' people in Latin America

Kate Martin,
Center for National Security Studies

A department spokeswoman said they were slowly giving information about the arrests, but were prohibited from doing so in some cases, and not required to in many others.

But on Monday a coalition of civil and human rights groups - including Arab and Muslim organisations - filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act demanding that the names of detainees be released, as well as the charges against them.

The move comes days after President George W Bush signed new anti-terror laws that give sweeping new powers to police forces and intelligence agencies.

'Secret arrests'

Civil rights advocates met FBI Director Robert Mueller on Friday to ask for more information about those arrested, but were not given any.

Bush signed new sweeping anti-terror laws last week

"We have been deeply disappointed with the government's refusal to release information that would assure the American public that this crucial investigation is being conducted with the basic protections guaranteed by our laws," said Gregory Nojeim of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Another advocate, Kate Martin, from the Center for National Security Studies, said that although certain details need to be secret, the government has to release the names of those detained.

"The secret detention of more than 800 people over the past few weeks is frighteningly close to the practice of 'disappearing' people in Latin America," she said in a statement quoted in The New York Times.

Justice Department spokeswoman Mindy Tucker said all those arrested had had access to lawyers and their treatment had been consistent with the protections guaranteed by the Constitution.

Tapped phones

Officials said the bulk of those being held were charged with immigration or criminal violations. A smaller group is being held on material witness warrants.

Most of those held as material witnesses cannot be named because their identities are under seal, say the authorities.

Last week, officials said telephone calls intercepted within hours of the 11 September attacks had led to hundreds of arrests.

The suspects were alleged to have been overheard celebrating the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

It is not known whether those who had their phones tapped had actually taken part in the plot or were just celebrating the fact that America was attacked.

None of those arrested on immigration violations have been charged with terrorist crimes. Ms Tucker said they cannot be named because of privacy issues.

She said the arrests on immigration charges for people suspected of having some connection to terrorist activities reflects a new approach, that of preventing attacks.

Under new legislation, the attorney general can hold foreigners suspected of terrorism links for up to seven days before charging or initiating deportation proceedings.