FBI quizzes Clinton on private email server

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Saturday interviewed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for more than three hours about her use of a private email server she used during her time as the US' top diplomat, according to a campaign spokesperson.

"Secretary Clinton gave a voluntary interview this morning about her email arrangements while she was secretary (of state)," said Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill.

"She is pleased to have had the opportunity to assist the Department of Justice in bringing this review to a conclusion. Out of respect for the investigative process, she will not comment further on her interview," he added.

Clinton has apologized for using a private email account and server from 2009 to 2013, when she served as secretary of state under the Obama administration.

However, critics say she violated regulatory protocol on protecting classified documents, claiming it amounts to a prosecutable crime.

In May, the State Department said it found "systemic weaknesses related to electronic records and communications" during Clinton's time in office.

Thousands of emails sent to Clinton's private account were retroactively classified, while dozens were marked "top secret."

Saturday's inquiry follows an FBI investigation into whether Clinton's use of a private server constituted a crime for which she should be charged.

The interview comes weeks ahead of the Democratic National Convention, during which Clinton is expected to be formally nominated as the party's presidential candidate for the November election.

ls/jm (AP, AFP)