NICHOLAS
BERG – U.S.CITIZEN SLAIN IN IRAQ
This is in response to numerous press inquires regarding
the FBI’s involvement in the Iraqi Police detention
of Nicholas Berg. On 5/11/04, a video was posted on
an Islamic militant website showing the beheading
of Nicholas Berg. The video showed five men wearing
headscarves and black ski masks standing over a bound
man in orange clothing who identified himself as Nicholas
Berg. After reading a statement, the masked men were
seen pulling Mr. Berg to his side and he was brutally
murdered.
On 03/25/04, the U.S. military notified FBI Agents
in Iraq that the Iraqi Police had detained a U.S.
person in Mosul, Iraq. The U.S. person was identified
as Nicholas Evan Berg. Mr. Berg had been detained
by Iraqi Police who then notified the U.S. military.
Mr. Berg was interviewed by FBI Agents at an Iraqi
Police Station in Mosul, Iraq, while in the custody
of the Iraqi Police. Mr. Berg told Agents that he
had entered Iraq through Jordan for the purpose of
establishing working relationships and to acquire
contracts for his business. After a thorough review
of records, the FBI relayed to the U.S. military and
the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) that no
derogatory information was developed about Mr. Berg
that would warrant further detention by the Iraqi
Police. During interviews with Mr. Berg, FBI Agents
and CPA officials emphasized to him the dangerous
environment that exists in Iraq, and encouraged him
to accept CPA’s offer to facilitate his safe
passage out of Iraq. Mr. Berg refused these offers.
The CPA coordinated with the Iraqi police for Mr.
Berg’s release on 4/6/04. He also refused government
offers to advise his family and friends of his status.
On 5/8/04, Mr. Berg’s remains were discovered
by the U.S military in north central Baghdad.
FBI Director Robert Mueller and the men and women
of the FBI offer their deepest sympathies to the Berg
family. The FBI’s Office of Victim Assistance
is providing support and assistance to the family.
#####
