'Unusual restrictions' spook witnesses in DOJ inspector general investigation into alleged FISA abuses

With the public release of a Justice Department watchdog report on alleged Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act abuses forthcoming, witnesses are said to be nervous about the final product. People interviewed about the FBI's actions during the Russia investigation are concerned the report will portray their words inaccurately and feel as though they are being put in a defenseless position because of "unusual restrictions," according to the Washington Post.

Inspector General Michael Horowitz has invited witnesses and their lawyers to review relevant portions of a draft report, allowing them the opportunity to offer input and objections. But these comments can only be conveyed verbally, not in writing as is the norm, leaving witnesses without the ability to develop a paper trail should they want to contest anything they view as inaccurate or misleading in the final report. Witnesses are being asked to view these sections in a secure area and sign nondisclosure agreements. They have also been told they are not allowed to remove any notes taken during this process. A representative for Horowitz's office declined to comment. The long-awaited report is eagerly anticipated by President Trump's GOP allies, who assert Horowitz's findings will show top Justice Department and FBI officials misled the FISA court by using an unverified dossier compiled by British ex-spy Christopher Steele to obtain warrants to electronically monitor onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Democrats, as well as current and former FBI officials, dismissed allegations of wrongdoing and have raised concerns that information about U.S. intelligence gathering could be weaponized to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller.

The investigation was completed in September. Horowitz provided an update to Congress on Oct. 24, saying a classification review by the DOJ and the FBI was "nearing completion." With reports putting a public release at about Thanksgiving, Attorney General William Barr told reporters on Wednesday that it was his understanding the release of the report was "imminent." Horowitz's findings could be useful for U.S. Attorney John Durham, who is scrutinizing the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation and examining the conduct of the Justice Department, the FBI, and the Intelligence Community. Last month, Durham shifted his administrative review to a criminal inquiry that gives his team the power to impanel a grand jury and hand down indictments.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/unusual-restrictions-spook-witnesses-in-doj-inspector-general-investigation-into-alleged-fisa-abuses