FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft today released the following statement regarding the opinion issued by Judge Gerald Rosen: As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to keep the American people informed of the Justice Departments progress against terrorism, while at the same time avoiding anything that could hinder a fair trial.
While the two statements in question were inadvertent and in no way intended to either disregard the Courts order, or disrupt the ongoing trial, I can see how these two statements, however brief and passing, could be considered by the Court to be a breach of the Courts Order.
As I advised the Court in my letter, I regret having made these statements.
As the Court recognized, the Attorney General occupies two roles of equal importance, one as the nations chief prosecutor, and one as the head of an Executive department with responsibilities to keep the public informed on policy matters. I take this matter very seriously and will make every effort to ensure that the difficulties occasioned in this instance will be avoided in the future. I appreciate that this matter has been resolved. 03-695
Source: US Department of Justice
