New York, NY, June 8, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) urged the Attorney General to set up a Task Force within the Justice Department to facilitate federal prosecutions of those involved with organized, violent hate groups. ADL said the resources and visibility of a similar Task Force led to successful neo-Nazi skinhead prosecutions for civil rights violations in 1988-90.

In a letter to Attorney General Janet Reno, David H. Strassler, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, noted the "significant impact" of the earlier investigations and prosecutions, saying, "They removed from the scene some of the most vicious of the front-line fighters for the organized hate movement. In addition, these well-publicized prosecutions helped deter further skinhead crime."

Strassler and Foxman urged Attorney General Reno "to act expeditiously to establish this organized Hate Group Task Force under the leadership of the Civil Rights Division to facilitate and coordinate federal and state prosecutions of these violent lawbreakers whose criminal conduct is motivated by prejudice."

They pointed out how ADL has for decades served as a reliable source of information on hate groups and responses to violent bigotry. "While no laws can force some individuals to change their racist and anti-Semitic views, diligent law enforcement investigations and vigorous prosecutions can deter and prevent criminal activities," they wrote.

The League leaders said a Task Force at this time would be "an effective demonstration of the federal government's resolve to help state and local law enforcement authorities effectively address violent bigotry."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.