Michael Fechter Appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Investigative Project on Terrorism Website

Michael Fechter Appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Investigative Project on Terrorism Website

Award Winning Journalist's Investigative Skills to Benefit World Renowned Counterterrorism Organization

WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Investigative Project on Terrorism, one of the world's largest storehouses of archival data and intelligence on Islamic and Middle Eastern terrorist groups, announced today the appointment of Michael Fechter as the Editor-in-Chief of the Investigative Project's website. Fechter is well known for his investigative reporting, particularly the "Ties to Terror" series that he did for the Tampa Tribune starting back in 1995 on Sami al-Arian's support of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. His ten years of tireless research on al-Arian's connections to Palestinian Islamic Jihad were instrumental in initiating the investigations that led to the prosecution of al-Arian and his guilty plea. Prior to the Investigative Project, Michael was with the Tampa Tribune for the past seventeen years, for most of that time as an Investigative News and Special Projects reporter. He won a 2003 Sunshine State Award for Business Writing.

"We at the Investigative Project are honored to have Michael Fechter on board," said Steven Emerson, Executive Director of the Investigative Project. "Michael's investigative skills are known the world over, and were indispensable in building the case against al-Arian. Despite smear tactics by numerous individuals and organizations, Michael never wavered in his pursuit of the truth in that case, and demonstrated the highest journalistic commitment and integrity. The Investigative Project and the nation at large will benefit directly from his consummate professionalism."

The Investigative Project's website will include up-to-the minute news on terrorism and counterterrorism efforts worldwide. In line with the Investigative Project's objectives, it will keep readers up to date on the profuse research the organization does to expose worldwide terrorism activities.

"My decision to join the Investigative Project is based on the simple fact that no other organization does a better job of researching and investigating worldwide Islamist terrorist groups," said Michael Fechter. "Steve Emerson and his highly professional staff have consistently been ahead of the curve, even alerting the CIA and FBI to terrorism connections. At this critical juncture in our history, I consider their work to be crucial to our national security."

Steve Pomerantz, former FBI Chief of Counter Terrorism, commented recently, "The gathering of intelligence information about terrorist organizations is the single most critical thing that we can do to prevent the next act of terrorism from occurring in our country. To me, the hallmark characteristic of the Investigative Project is that they are truly a unique institution in the private sector doing a very important job in a manner that nobody else does."

Peter Hoekstra, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, said, "I have often received invaluable information from Emerson and his team of investigators, sometimes better than the intelligence I get from official US government briefings."

The Investigative Project website is currently being overhauled and a new URL will be announced soon.

About Steven Emerson and the Investigative Project

Emerson launched The Investigative Project on Terrorism in late 1995, following the broadcast of his PBS documentary, "Jihad in America." The film was the first to expose clandestine operations of militant Islamic terrorist groups on American soil. For the film, Emerson received numerous awards including the George Polk Award for best television documentary, one of the most prestigious awards in journalism. He also received the top prize from the Investigative Reporters and Editors Organization (IRE) for best investigative report in both print and television for the documentary. The award from IRE was the fourth he had received from that group. The documentary, which was featured on 60 Minutes, has become standard viewing for federal law enforcement and intelligence organizations.

Emerson is recognized as one of the first terrorism experts to have testified and warned about the threat of Islamic militant networks operating in the United States and their connections worldwide. In a pioneering congressional testimony delivered in 1998, he specifically warned about the threat of Osama Bin Laden's network. Nearly all of the terrorist suspects and groups first identified in his 1994 film have been indicted, convicted, or deported since 9-11.

Emerson is the author of six books about terrorism, including the best selling American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us.

Contact:
Emilio Dabul emilio.dabul@drivepr.com or the Investigative Project at:
stopterror@aol.com

Source: The Investigative Project on Terrorism

CONTACT: Emilio Dabul, emilio.dabul@drivepr.com, or Investigative
Project, stopterror@aol.com

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