Bulger takes Fifth before House panel

ppearing before the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform in Boston on Dec. 6, President William M. Bulger invoked constitutional protections against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions about his fugitive brother, James "Whitey" Bulger.

     The panel, which is probing FBI misconduct, adjourned after Bulger refused to answer any questions.

     Bulger had asked the committee to postpone the hearing or close it to the public. Both requests were turned down by chairman Dan Burton, Republican of Indiana, who asked about a 1995 phone call between the Bulger brothers.

     Bulger declined to answer and cited his rights. "The Fifth Amendment's basic function is to protect innocent men who might be ensnared by ambiguous circumstances. I find myself in such circumstances."

     Bulger also cited his rights to privacy and due process.

     Following the hearing, Board of Trustees chairman Grace K. Fey reiterated her support for Bulger, calling his action a "civics lesson" for students.

     Alumni Association president Jess Kane and his predecessor, John Goodrich, also backed Bulger.