On January 16, 2013, Hamza*, an IT executive, e-mailed CAIR-WA explaining that the FBI had contacted him wanting information about someone who had been hired at his mosque, located in Washington State. The FBI expressed interest in learning more about the person hired because they had received several complaints about him.
When Hamza received this phone call from the FBI, he contacted CAIR-WA and asked whether he should do the interview alone, since he has nothing to hide and doesn’t want to seem guilty by getting an attorney.
CAIR-WA advised him to have an attorney with him for the interview, to ensure that his rights are protected and so if an interview occurs, it stays within bounds of what is appropriate. We referred him to two different pro bono attorneys in our network, whom he contacted quickly.
(Note: CAIR-WA has developed a network of experienced attorneys who have agreed to provide their time and services free of charge to CAIR-WA clients who have been contacted by the FBI).
The pro bono attorney who represented Hamza, arranged a meeting with Hamza and the FBI agents, which lasted about one hour. At the end of the meeting, the FBI agreed to direct all further questions to the attorney and not contact Hamza directly.
If you or someone you know has been contacted by the FBI or another law enforcement agency for an interview, please remember that you have the right to remain silent and we strongly recommend that you not conduct interviews without an attorney present.
Simply take the agent’s business card(s) and let them know that your attorney will contact them. Then contact CAIR-WA via phone or 206.367.4081 or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can quickly refer you to an experienced local attorney who can represent you free of charge.
*Name changed to maintain privacy