Civil liberties group unveils documents on Pentagon surveillance
Group calls upon Congress to investigate surveillance activities.
The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday released new Pentagon documents that show counter-terrorism resources were used to monitor American anti-war groups.
According to the ACLU, the nine reports obtained from a Pentagon database describe as "threats" several planned demonstrations at military recruitment stations, including sites on college campuses. ACLU attorney Ben Wizner said the findings "send a chilling message that if you oppose the war, the military is watching you."
The group called on Congress to investigate the surveillance activities. ACLU Washington Legislative Office Director Caroline Fredrickson said she is pleased that the new Democratic leadership for the 110th Congress has "signaled a desire to get serious about congressional oversight" of anti-terrorism surveillance.
"No American should ever be targeted for exercising his or her First Amendment rights," she said.