(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/2/2017) — The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) hosted an emergency Know Your Rights forum for the Uzbek community at the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent. The forum was in response to the surge in law enforcement questioning of the local Uzbek community in the wake of the terrorist attack in New York City allegedly perpetrated by an Uzbek national.
The alleged perpetrator had lived in the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, area for several years before moving to Florida.
CAIR-Cleveland said the overarching message of the forum was that American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security and, like all Americans, we also value civil rights.
At the forum, which was conducted in English and Uzbeki language, a CAIR representative and two attorneys provided basic Know Your Rights information regarding interacting with law enforcement. The purpose of the forum was to ensure that community members are informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent as well as the right to have an attorney present during any law enforcement interviews. The forum also covered issues related to immigration status, warrants and search and seizure issues.
SEE: Your Rights with Law Enforcement at https://www.cair.com/know-your-rights.html
CAIR’s Know Your Rights & Responsibilities Pocket Guide
https://www.cair.com/images/pdf/Know-Your-Rights-Guide.pdf
“Because the Uzbek community is being blanketed by FBI and DHS requests for voluntary interviews in the wake of the New York terror attack, it is important that constitutional rights are upheld during any and all law enforcement interactions, including any potential interviews,” said Julia Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, who helped moderate the forum.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, 216.440.2247 or jshearson@cair.com , Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com