Session: “Inside the FBI: A Whistleblower Speaks Out” - Sat. Jan. 12, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

ALA Midwinter attendees crowded the room Saturday morning, expecting to hear Mr. Youssef speak about his experiences as an FBI Whistleblower. Youssef, Unit Chief of the FBI Counterterrorism Division’s Communications Analysis Unit and the highest ranking Arab-American agent, had been prohibited to speak to the American Library Association (or anyone else) about his experiences.

The weekend prior to the ALA Midwinter conference Mr. Youssef received a 12-page directive from the FBI which made no claims to relate to classified information, yet prohibited presenting or giving rehearsed speeches about the topic. Instead, attorney Stephen M. Kohn indicated that his client would be allowed to answer “spontaneous” questions, as allowed by constitutional law.

What followed was an illuminating question-and-answer period, during which Mr. Kohn was frequently required to instruct his client about answering questions and in fact had to answer many questions himself as he is under no FBI directive (”gag order” in the common parlance). Mr. Youssef was very clear that he could only speak on his own behalf as Bassem Youssef, American citizen, and not in any professional capacity.

Youssef was able to provide a better understanding of how National Security Letters work (think of the 4 John Doe librarians); how they can, in the abstract, be abused by intelligence agencies; his work on the first world trade center bombing; and his work as liaison to the Saudi government (which was particularly effective, although he is now banned from speaking any . Frustration, sadness, and even hope were apparent on the faces of both Youssef and Kohn throughout the morning.

For more (and better) coverage of this event, see the following:

Library Journal
American Libraries
Letter to Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director of the ALA Washington office, from Steve Kohn, attorney for Bassem Youssef