The FBI is refusing to comment on claims by a New York website owner that it forced him to shut his site down because of terrorist concerns.

Travis Trowle, owner of IRAradio.com, said the FBI told him to pull the site or face having his assets seized. He says the site does not support terrorism and that its name stands for Irish Republican Activist Radio.

In a statement on the homepage, Mr Trowle says: "President Bush recently signed a new law that lets the FBI, CIA and OHS seize assets 'without any notice and/or any real evidence of any company or person that helps, supports, or does anything that can be called or labeled terrorism or is found to be connected to terrorism in any way or means possible'. Word has spread about several internet companies that have had their assets seized using this new law.

"In light of the recent tragic events in the United States, the Cosmic Entertainment Company board of advisors has deemed it advisable and in the best interests of the company to temporarily shut down the IRAradio.com web site until the turbulence and uncertainty facing our nation has decreased. We do not and will not support terrorism of any kind!"

The Real IRA is banned from raising funds in America and anyone found giving them cash can be prosecuted and jailed.

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