Overview
- U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan wrote Wednesday that Attorney General Todd Blanche "failed to comply" with court rules and ordered the DOJ to provide specific handwritten FBI interview notes for private in‑camera review by Sept. 24.
- Sullivan rejected the DOJ’s claim that the handwritten notes are duplicative of FD‑302 reports, finding the original notes are distinct and must be examined by the judge.
- The court also rejected Blanche’s argument that first‑level review of foreign‑language records was "not practicable" and ordered the department to begin that review and notify the court that it has done so by the Sept. 24 deadline.
- Sullivan said some redactions protecting survivor identities were adequately documented but ordered additional justification and in‑camera review for other redactions the DOJ had not sufficiently explained.
- The judge warned that civil contempt remains an enforcement option if the DOJ does not comply, while the department says it has produced all responsive documents, has asked the appeals court to review the injunction, and intends to appeal.