Meeting prompted by seizure of Muslim financial records
(CLEVELAND, OH, 2/15/05) – On Sunday, February 13, the Ohio office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in cooperation with Beit Hanina Social Club, held a “Know Your Rights” forum in Cleveland.
The forum was in response to the recent federal search and seizures conducted at the office of a prominent certified public accountant, whose firm housed the financial records of hundreds of Muslim businesses and individuals in the Greater Cleveland area.
At the forum, prominent civil and immigration rights attorneys highlighted challenges facing the Muslim community in post-9/11 America. Citing recent FBI questioning about people’s political views, civil rights attorney Terry Gilbert said, “Fear and paranoia have replaced reason and common sense.” On a positive note, Gilbert cited the courts as the “last bastion” and praised a judicial system where people can “still get relief when the other branches of government fail them.”
An ACLU spokesperson criticized a series of measures that abridge civil rights, including selective enforcement of immigration law, detention without charge, no-fly lists, and the Patriot Act. He said the general attitude toward Muslims in America now is that they are “guilty until proven innocent.”
Nationally-known immigration attorney David Leopold told Muslims that they must be vigilant in protecting their rights. He raised strong concerns about the recent passage of HR 418, a bill that strips the rights of immigrants and makes it virtually impossible for asylum seekers to win refuge in this country.
Overall, the panel called for members of the Muslim community to unite in defense of their rights. Leopold said that “Muslim Americans should call their public officials and voice opposition to discriminatory legislation. He said, “Government and public officials are our servants and they need to be reminded that they work for us.”
In speaking of the possibility of an FBI visit at his home, one audience member said, “When something like that happens, it is a very lonely world for you and your family.” Panelists were quick to point to resources available in such situations. “Know your rights” pamphlets were distributed, along with a handy worksheet to be filled out in case of a visit by law enforcement. More than 100 people attended the meeting. Leaders agreed to form coalitions and to hold additional educational seminars.
CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
To read CAIR’s Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: https://www.cair.com/about-us/vision-mission-core-principles.html
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CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247, E-Mail: jshearson@cair.com; Ibrahim Hooper, 202.488.8787 or 202.744.7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com
