Farrakhan Denies He’s Libya Agent

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan has told the Justice Department he is not acting as an agent of Libya or any other foreign country, Justice officials said Thursday.

The Justice Department received a letter earlier this week from one of Farrakhan’s aides responding to the department’s inquiry about news reports of Farrakhan’s recent world tour, Justice spokesman Carl Stern said.

Citing reports by Libya’s JANA news agency, the department had advised Farrakhan that he might have to register as a foreign agent.

The Treasury Department has yet to receive a response to a separate letter asking Farrakhan about whether he used U.S. currency in Libya, which is prohibited, or accepted money from Libya, which is regulated by U.S. economic sanctions, according to a Treasury official, who requested anonymity.’

Justice and Treasury officials continue to watch on their own for any evidence that Farrakhan needs to register or is receiving Libyan money, administration officials said.

However, a Justice official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The letter denied that Farrakhan has agreed to act at the direction, control or instruction of any foreign principal.” So, the letter said he has no obligation to register with the government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

While not acknowledging any receipt of money from Libya, “the letter denied that any money he would accept is anything more than a gift,” the Justice official said.

Published reports said Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi had pledged $1 billion, but, after Farrakhan left Libya, JANA denied any donation had been made. Farrakhan has said he would use any Libyan money for humanitarian purposes like building homes, schools and factories.

To accept Libyan money, Farrakhan would need permission from the Treasury, because of U.S. economic sanctions on Libya over its support for terrorism.