FBI interviews Hillary Clinton for 3 hours on email server row

The FBI interviewed Hillary Clinton on Saturday about her use of personal email while serving as secretary of state, an issue that has dogged her campaign to become America’s first female president.

Questions over Ms Clinton’s use of a private account and homebrew server during her time as US’ top diplomat have fueled voter concerns that she is not trustworthy.

An aide said the interview at FBI headquarters in Washington lasted about 3.5 hours, following previous such interviews with her aides, including Huma Abedin. It comes about three weeks before the Democratic National Convention is set to crown Ms Clinton as the party’s official White House nominee.

The interview signals that the FBI’s protracted investigation could be entering its final phase.

“Secretary Clinton gave a voluntary interview this morning about her email arrangements while she was secretary,” spokesman Nick Merrill said in a statement. His use of the word “voluntary” indicates that Ms Clinton was not subpoenaed for the interview.

Ms Clinton, aiming to be the nation’s first female commander-in-chief, has apologised for exclusively using a private email account and home server during her time as secretary of state (2009 to 2013).