*EPF407 12/13/2001
Fact Sheet: State Department "Rewards for Justice Program"
(U.S. offers rewards for valid anti-terrorist information) (490)

Following is the text of a State Department fact sheet on the Rewards for Justice Program, administered by the department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security:

(begin fact sheet)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 13, 2001

FACT SHEET

Rewards for Justice Program

The Rewards for Justice Program is one of the most valuable U.S. Government assets in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, Public Law 98-533, the Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

Under this program, the Secretary of State may offer rewards for information that prevents, frustrates, or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide, including by dismantling an organization in whole or significant part. Rewards also may be paid for information leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or aiding and abetting in the commission of such acts or to the identification or location of an individual who holds a key leadership position in a terrorist organization.

The USA Patriot Act of 2001, which became law on October 26, authorizes the Secretary to offer or pay rewards of greater than $5 million if he determines that a greater amount is necessary to combat terrorism or to defend the United States against terrorist acts. Secretary Powell has authorized a reward of up to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Usama bin Laden and other key al-Qaida leaders -- the subject of the advertising campaign we are rolling out today.

The Rewards for Justice Program has been effective. In the past seven years, the United States has paid over $8 million to 22 people who provided credible information that put terrorists behind bars or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide. The program played a significant role in the arrest of international terrorist Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

People with information on any past or planned act of international terrorism against the United States anywhere in the world are urged to contact the nearest FBI office, or the Bureau of Diplomatic Security via any one of the following avenues:

Internet: www.rewardsforjustice.net

Telephone: 1-800-USREWARDS (U.S. only)

Mail: Rewards for Justice
P.O. Box 96781
Washington, DC 20090-6781 USA

In addition, people located overseas may contact the Regional Security Officer at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Terrorism threatens the security of all people, and our determination to fight it is greater than ever. The United States has tracked terrorists aggressively and made them pay for their crimes. Through this program, thousands of innocent lives around the world have been saved through the prevention of terrorist attacks. Without question, the Rewards for Justice Program is a formidable weapon in the U.S. arsenal to combat the threat of international terrorism.

(end text)

(end fact sheet)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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