Siljander's chummy relationship with suspect terrorist-funding charity troubles watchdog
Chad Groening - 1/23/2008 1:00:00 PM

Judicial Watch is troubled that a former congressman has been indicted for his alleged participation in a terrorist fundraising ring.

Mark Deli Siljander, a Republican from Michigan when he was in the House, is under investigation for his alleged involvement with the Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA), a Muslim charity that allegedly sent more than $130,000 to a supporter of al Qaida and the Taliban. The indictment says Siljander lied about his lobbying of senators on behalf the charity that was secretly sending money to terrorists. The indictment also accuses the IARA of paying Siljander $50,000 for his lobbying efforts.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, calls the situation troubling. "What's also troubling is that the Bush administration continues to have contact with these terrorist front organizations," fears Fitton.

According to the government watchdog, these "terrorist front organizations" receive government contracts for Transportation Safety Administration sensitivity training, and they "are regular participants in meetings with the FBI at the highest levels."

Fitton is calling for closer scrutiny of the supposed "Islamic charities."

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