| Printed from JudicialWatch.org Sep 22, 1999 |
Contact: Press Office 202-646-5172 |
SIDESTEPS JUDICIAL WATCH REQUEST FOR WHITE HOUSE DOCUMENTS TO DEMOCRAT STATE PROSECUTOR STEPHEN MONTANARELLI (Washington, September 22, 1999) Linda Tripp is a material witness in Judicial Watch's $90 million dollar class action lawsuit, and has testified that Hillary Clinton is behind the scandal. Indeed, in sworn testimony Ms. Tripp herself has identified Mrs. Clinton as the person who is also behind her criminal prosecution in Maryland. To prosecute Ms. Tripp for political purposes -- to try to destroy her credibility -- would be an obstruction of justice. For these reasons, Judicial Watch filed a request for any communications between The White House and the Maryland State prosecutor, Stephen Montanarelli, urging or suggesting the prosecution of Ms. Tripp, under the Maryland Public Information Act, which is similar to the Federal Freedom of Information Act. When Mr. Montanarelli stonewalled, Judicial Watch filed suit. When suit was filed, Mr. Montanarelli filed misleading affidavits, and as a likely result, the lower court judge entered an order requiring the prosecutor to prepare a list of all such documents he had in his possession. The purpose of Judicial Watch's lawsuit was not to obtain legitimate grand jury information, but rather any communications from The White House and its allies improperly urging a prosecution of Ms. Tripp for political purposes. Accordingly, the Maryland appeals court's overturning of the lower court order yesterday, justified primarily on the basis that Judicial Watch sought grand jury information, was disingenuous and likely reflects a desire to protect the Democrat Maryland State prosecutor and his colleagues in The White House. "Maryland is a very Democrat state, and the decision to overturn the lower court judge appears politically motivated. However, Judicial Watch has other legal means to expose The White House connection to Mr. Montanarelli," stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The political prosecution of Linda Tripp is a perversion of our legal system, and we will not rest until justice is done," added Larry Klayman, Chairman of Judicial Watch. | |