CAIR-LA to Seek Probe Into FBI’s Arrest of Ahmad NiaziAfghan native claims retaliation for refusal to become informant
(LOS ANGELES, CA, 2/23/09) - On Tuesday, February 24, the Greater Los Angeles Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) will host a news conference to announce the filing of a request for the U.S. Attorney General to launch an investigation into the FBI’s arrest last week of Ahmad Niazi.
The news conference will immediately follow a court hearing Tuesday for Niazi in Santa Ana, Calif. Members of his family will take part in the news conference.
Niazi is charged with perjury, naturalization fraud, misuse of a passport obtained by fraud, and making a false statement to a federal agency. He claims the charges are in retaliation for his refusal to become an FBI informant.
Mr. Niazi previously reported to CAIR-LA and other community members that, during a raid of a friend’s house, an FBI agent urged Mr. Niazi to work with the agency, saying that if he refused to cooperate his life would be made a “living hell.”
SEE: Tustin Man Related to Al Qaeda Figure is Arrested (LA Times)
WHAT: News Conference to Announce Call for Probe of FBI Actions in Arrest of Ahmad NiaziWHEN: Immediately following Tuesday’s court hearing. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m.WHERE: Outside the Santa Ana Courthouse, 411 West Fourth Street, Santa Ana, CA WHO: Representatives from CAIR-LA, other Muslim groups and Ahmad Niazi’s familyCONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847 or 714-851-4851, E-Mail: info@losangeles.cair.com
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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.