2005-11-24,+Kasrils+refutes+NIA+email+interceptions

= Kasrils refutes NIA email interceptions =
 * October 23, 2005, 17:30**

Ronnie Kasrils, the intelligence services minister, has refuted claims that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) intercepted emails between individuals. He was responding to reports in weekend newspapers suggesting that the NIA did just that.

Kasrils says the agency must obtain judicial authorisation before telephone and email communication can be intercepted. Kasrils has acknowledged that emails are doing the rounds and has warned the public to disregard the messages. He says they are clearly fraudulent and aims to cause confusion.

Investigating origin of emails He claimed the emails are reminiscent of Stratcom operations during the Apartheid era.

The terms of reference for the inquiry conducted by the inspector general have been extended to investigate the origin of these emails, which are obviously not genuine correspondence between the individuals concerned, he said.

Minister Kasrils dismissed the emails as "crude, sinister and clearly fake" - but concerned about the damage they could cause if believed.

He reiterated that complaints by members of the public regarding the conduct of intelligence must be raised formally and in writing with the inspector general for intelligence or himself. – Sapa

From: http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,114891,00.html