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| The Investigation |
| Global Relief Foundation under the scope |
| 2001-10-04 |
Outside the Bridgeview charity, a bright sign reads: "Compassion in Action Throughout the World." But federal investigators are examining whether the $5 million-a-year Global Relief Foundation belongs on a list of charities suspected of supporting global terrorism. About 18 months ago, FBI and Jordanian intelligence agents tried to question the charity's co-founder and former treasurer about his fundraising and associates, but he refused to answer questions and soon left the U.S., according to his attorney. Earlier this week, Treasury Department officials said they are considering whether to freeze Global Relief's assets as part of the U.S. effort to choke off the finances of Osama bin Laden, who is suspected of orchestrating the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Global Relief attorney Ashraf Nubani said the group has no ties to terrorism or bin Laden. The investigation into Global Relief and other Islamic charities is part of a "smear campaign" to discourage Muslims from donating to legitimate groups, Nubani said. In a Bridgeview industrial park, Global Relief continues to operate from a low-slung brick building with a U.S. flag on the front lawn. Inside, a small staff raises money through mosque appeals and direct mail campaigns. One fundraising video depicts maimed and bloody corpses as it describes atrocities by Indian soldiers against Muslims in Kashmir, and it features a young refugee boy who declares he will "become a freedom fighter and fight for Kashmir's independence." |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |