STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT UPON THE START OF THE TOBACCO TRIAL

The following press release was published by the US Department of Justice on Sept. 21, 2004. It is reproduced in full below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 “The government’s case against the tobacco industry is an important effort to prevent fraudulent activity and uphold corporate integrity. We look forward to presenting the evidence supporting our case in court, and to achieving relief, including the recapture of wrongfully obtained proceeds from the sale of cigarettes and preventing cigarette manufacturers from marketing to young people in this country.

“I want to express my appreciation for the efforts of the career Justice Department lawyers who have worked so hard to bring this case on behalf of the government and its citizens.” 04-634

Source: US Department of Justice