FBI Criticizes Boston Globe For Identifying Bulger Tipster
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Globe is taking heat from the FBI over the decision to identify the tipster in the Whitey Bulger case.
In statement, the FBI says the Globe has attempted to justify their decision by stating the FBI did not raise objections before the story was published.
The FBI says its silence on the tipster should not be seen as acquiescence to that editorial decision.
The Globe identified Anna Bjornsdottir as the tipster in a story on Sunday.
In an interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Globe reporter Maria Cramer defended that decision.
"In order to write a credible story that would basically detail (Bulger's) life on the run, and also how he was caught, we had to identify her," says Cramer.
Bjornsdottir lives in Iceland, and at one time stayed near the complex where Whitey Bulger and Catherine Greig were tracked down.
Cramer says the FBI and Justice Department were given ample warning that Bjornsdottir's name would be published. She says neither agency raised any concern for the woman's safety or for the future of their tipster programs.
The FBI responded saying:
"Had the FBI responded one way or the other, the effect would have been to confirm or deny the identity of one of the tipsters. The decision by the news outlet to use an individual's name and photograph was a decision made solely and independently by that news outlet."
The statement went on to say that the FBI does, "everything possible to protect the identity of those who courageously assist us in thwarting criminal activity."
Martin Baron, Editor of The Boston Globe released this statement:
"We have never said or suggested that the FBI acquiesced in our decision to identify the tipster. We have only said that we made law enforcement agencies amply aware that we intended to publish the tipster's name and that no agency raised any concerns about her personal safety. That is, in fact, the case."
