FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sin Yen Ling, Esq.
212-966-5932

New York, New York – On September 17, 2004, CBS News reported that the FBI was planning to conduct rounds of interrogations, surveillance and possible detentions to deter possible disruptions around the Presidential elections. The FBI agents will be aggressively conducting surveillance of persons identified as terrorist sympathizers, but who have not committed any crime. Individuals and their family members may be called in for questioning. Mosques will be visited and members will be asked whether they have observed suspicious behavior. The so-called "October Plan" is scheduled to go into effect the first week of October and continue through the elections, according to CBS News.

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund ("AALDEF") is offering free legal advice and representation to concerned individuals approached by the FBI. AALDEF attorneys have represented persons caught up in previous rounds of the government's surveillance and questioning initiated by the FBI and NYPD Terrorism Task Force. For assistance, please contact AALDEF at:

1-800-966-5946
212-966-5932 x 213
Fax: 212-966-4303
Email: legal@aaldef.org
Emergency after 7:00 pm, call 917-533-0903

Individuals seeking legal assistance may also call to set up private, confidential meetings with AALDEF attorneys. All information will be kept confidential and in the custody of attorneys.

Founded in 1974, AALDEF protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans through litigation, legal advocacy, and community education in the areas of immigrant rights, economic justice for workers, voting rights and civic participation, affirmative action, language access to services, youth rights and educational equity and the elimination of hate violence and police misconduct.