FBI PLANTING SPIES IN U.S. MOSQUES, MUSLIM GROUPS SAY - TOPEliott C. McLaughlin, CNN, 3/20/09
(CNN) -- Ten U.S. Muslim organizations threatened this week to cease working with the FBI, citing "McCarthy-era tactics" by the agency, including efforts to covertly infiltrate California mosques.
The groups claim the FBI has sent undercover agents posing as worshippers into mosques, pressured Muslims to become informants, labeled civil rights advocates as criminals and spread misinformation.
The FBI declined to comment on specific allegations but called the proposed move unproductive.
"Limiting honest dialogue, especially when complex issues are on the table, is generally not an effective advocacy strategy," spokesman John Miller said in a statement. "The FBI has continued our outreach efforts, across the board, with a number of concerned groups and where we agree -- or disagree -- most have concluded the best results are achieved through continued conversation. We believe that, too."
The group's statement, dated Tuesday, said several incidents of the FBI "targeting Muslim Americans lead us to consider suspending ongoing outreach efforts."
The statement was issued by the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections, whose director, Agha Saeed, couldn't immediately comment because of a family emergency.
The FBI has sent "agents provocateur" into California mosques, according to the statement, which says an FBI agent threatened to make one mosque member's life a "living hell" if he did not become an informant.
Though the statement does not name the mosque member, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said last month it would seek an investigation into the February 21 arrest of Ahmadullah Niazi, an Afghanistan native.
"Mr. Niazi previously reported to [CAIR's Los Angeles office] 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,' " a news release said.
Niazi, a member of the Islamic Center of Irvine, told CAIR his arrest was retaliation for his refusal, the release said. (More)
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MORE GROUPS SIGN AMT STATEMENT ON RELATIONS WITH FBI - TOP(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/20/2009) - A number of Islamic, minority and interfaith organizations have signed on to a statement by the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), a coalition of major national Islamic organizations, stating that it is considering suspending outreach relations with the FBI over recent incidents in which American mosques and Muslim groups have been targeted.SEE: FBI Planting Spies in U.S. Mosques, Muslim Groups Say (CNN)The new signatories include the American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA), Muslim Voters of America, Muslim Students' Association-West, National Immigrant Solidarity Network, Interfaith Freedom Foundation, and a number of local mosques and Islamic centers.SEE: U.S. Muslim Coalition Considers Suspending Relations with FBITo endorse the AMT statement online, click here.Media Contact: AMT Chair Dr. Agha Saeed, Tel: 510-299-9313, E-Mail: aghaksaeed@yahoo.com---NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD SENDS LETTER TO AG HOLDER ON FBI SPYING - TOPMarch 19, 2009Hon. Eric HolderAttorney GeneralU.S. Department of Justice950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.Washington, D.C. 20530RE: FBI spying in MosquesDear Atty. General Holder:I am one of many in Los Angeles who were disgusted and dismayed to learn that the FBI has been covertly inserting spies into Islamic mosques in Southern California. This news was all the more disappointing given the sincere efforts of the Muslim community here to work cooperatively with the Bureau.To do what the FBI did here, send in a convicted felon to serve as an agent provocateur in several Islamic mosques and, as is alleged, tell at least one mosque attendee that the FBI would make his life “a living hell” if he did not become an informant, is abhorrent. Indeed, the whole sorry business of spying on religious adherents is despicable. It suggests that the U.S. Justice Department, and the Obama Administration, are prepared to continue the xenophobic and discriminatory polices of the Bush Administration. If so, it puts a lie to President Obama’s claim that we can defend ourselves against terrorist attacks “without sacrificing our values.”This current practice mirrors the same illegal, discredited and mischief-making practices outlawed in this nation following the disclosure of the FBI’s COINTELPRO practices of the ‘60s and ‘70s. It has no place in a free nation. It only serves to fuel the all- too- prevalent notion amongst the people of this nation that Muslim citizens are, by definition, Un-American, prone to violence, and not to be trusted.I ask that you immediately launch an investigation into this matter and quickly issue a statement assuring the nation, and most importantly, the Muslim people of this nation, that what has been going on in Southern California will be ended here and not repeated elsewhere. And I urge the statement to include an apology to the Muslim community of Southern California, who, like all Muslims since the criminal attacks of 9/11, have already suffered greatly for no other reason than that the government of this nation has, in more ways than I can recount here, repeatedly violated their rights, and their very humanity.Sincerely,James LaffertyExecutive DirectorNational Lawyers Guild - Los Angeles Chapter
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CAIR ACTION ALERT #571: OKLAHOMANS ASKED TO CHALLENGE BILL BANNING RELIGIOUS HEAD COVERINGS - TOP
(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 3/20/09) - The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) and the American Civil Liberties Union in Oklahoma (ACLU of OK) today called on Oklahomans who are concerned with constitutionally-protected religious freedoms to contact their state senators about proposed legislation that would ban religious headwear in driver’s license and other identification card photos.
The bill, HB 1645, passed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on March 2, 2009 by 88-8. An Oklahoma Senate subcommittee, the Transportation Committee, is expected to take up the bill.
SEE: Religious Head Covering Bill
The proposed amendment states: “The photograph or image shall clearly identify the licensee or cardholder and shall depict a full front unobstructed view of the entire head and shoulders of the licensee or cardholder. Hats, head scarves, head garments…that cover or partially cover the head or shoulders are strictly prohibited and shall not be worn by the licensee or cardholder when being photographed for a license or identification card.”
CAIR-OK believes the amendment proposed by Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs) was introduced in reaction to CAIR-Oklahoma’s successful resolution of a dispute over a Muslim woman’s right to wear Islamic head scarves, or hijab, in her driver’s license photo.
SEE: Okla. House Passes Bill Banning Religious Head Covering
SEE ALSO: CAIR-OK: Okla. Muslim Takes Driver’s License Photo with Hijab
Senator Roger Ballenger (D-8) was the first sponsor of HB 1645, but took his name off it questioning the bill’s motives. Sen. Ballenger called DPS who said, “they do not have a problem with the current law.”
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) criticized Oklahoma’s House of Representatives for its attack on religious freedom.
See: Religious Freedoms Under Attack in Oklahoma
“It appears that the author of the bill was unaware that this would disproportionately affect Catholic nuns, Orthodox Jews, Sikh men, Muslim women and other religious groups who have headwear. There are also medical patients who would be affected, in particular those undergoing chemotherapy who lose their hair and may wear wigs, scarves or hats,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi. “By embracing the diversity our state has to offer, we need to respect one another and not violate each other’s first amendment rights.”
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: (As always be POLITE and RESPECTFUL)
1. CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATORS and urge him or her to ensure that religious freedoms continue to be protected by the U.S. Constitution. This will ensure that Americans do not view Oklahomans as divisive and opposed to interfaith dialogue and the many contributions by its diverse citizens.
Contact Your Elected Officials click here.
Call the Oklahoma State Capitol switchboard at 405-521-3356 and ask for your representatives’ office.
2. CONTACT the Transportation Committee Chairman to ensure that the Oklahomans’ First Amendment Rights of religious freedoms are protected. (Find suggested talking points below).
Senator Cliff Branan (R-40) Phone: 405-521-5543, E-Mail: branan@oksenate.gov
Sample talking points:
All Oklahomans should be concerned when there is a chance for violations of any religious liberty.
If the purpose for such a bill is to clearly identify an individual, then one should be photographed wearing what one would wear every day regardless if it is headwear or glasses.
The Department of Public Safety already has a policy for religious exemptions on headgear, and this bill is unnecessary.
Oklahomans should not tolerate such blatant attacks on minority faiths.
Ensure all Oklahomans’ First Amendment Rights are protected. Urge your State Senator to vote No on HB 1645. Request a religious and medical exemption to the bill.
3. CONTACT Oklahoma State Senators from the Transportation Committee to inform them about the HB 1645.
Senator Bryce Marlatt (R-27), marlatt@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5626Senator Randy Bass (D-32), bass@okseante.gov, (405) 521-5567Senator Brian Bingman (R-12), bingman@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5528Senator Randy Brogdon (R-34), brogdon@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5566Senator Bill Brown (R-36), brownb@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5602Senator Sean Burrage (D-2), burrage@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5555Senator Harry Coates (R-28), coates@okseante.gov, (405) 521-5547Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre (D-11), easonmcintyre@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5598Senator Earl Garrison (D-9), garrisone@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5533Senator Connie Johnson (D-48), johnsonc@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5531Senator Ron Justice (R-23), justice@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5537Senator Debbe Leftwich (D-44), holland@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5557Senator David Myers (R-20), ingraham@Oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5628Senator Mike Schulz (R-38), schulz@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5612Senator Joe Sweeden (D-10), sweeden@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5581Senator Charlie Wyrick (D-1), wyrick@oksenate.gov, (405) 521-5561
4. WRITE letters to the editor, OP-EDs or blogs to educate Oklahomans and other Americans about this infringement on our civil liberties.
5. SHARE this important alert with your colleagues, friends and family. Post to personal blogs.
6. Oklahoma residents only - sign this letter or write your own and send it to your Oklahoma state senator. CAIR-OK and ACLU-OK have prepared a letter to address Oklahoma State Senators.
CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi, 405-248-5853, E-Mail: rhashmi@cair.com; CAIR-OK Chairperson Lobna Hewedi, E-Mail: lhewedi@cair.com; ACLU-OK Legislative Counsel Tamya Cox, ACLU Deputy Director C.S. Thornton; 405-524-8511; E-Mail: acluok@acluok.org
-----CAIR-OH: RELIGIOUS GROUP WANTS TO MEET WITH CLEVELAND MAYOR JACKSON ABOUT NEW TAXI POLICY IT SAYS ADVERSELY AFFECTS MUSLIMS - TOPStan Donaldson, Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/20/09
A religious advocacy group has asked to meet with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in order to change a new directive at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport that bans Muslim cab drivers who leave their vehicles to pray.
The Cleveland-based chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations said earlier this month that Standard Parking Co., a group contracted by the city to handle parking operations, enacted a new policy that prohibits cab drivers from leaving their vehicles while they wait in line to pick up arrivals at the airport.
The policy also bans prayer in the taxi queue and prohibits other cab drivers from advancing vehicles in the taxi line for the praying driver.
If seen praying, they will be in violation of the policy and could be banned from picking up fares.
A group of about 60 cab drivers, who are of Somali descent and Muslim, oppose this because they said it limits their potential revenue and also prevents them from making Salaat, a five time-a-day prayer that Muslims must make at specific times.
The advocacy group said it will submit a letter to Jackson signed by several mosque leaders and community activists who support them, said CAIR Executive Director Julia Shearson.
"We are not asking for them to give us special treatment . . . we are asking under the Constitution, and under the law, to give us reasonable accommodations so our religious needs can be met," she said. (More)
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CAIR-SAN DIEGO TAKES PART IN ELDERHOSTEL PROGRAM ON ISLAM - TOP
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/20/09) - The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently helped conduct an all-day "Days of Discovery" program organized by the Elderhostel organization at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
"Elderhostel has organized a wonderful bridge-building program for its members to learn about Islam and Muslims. The goal of this series is to offer Elderhostelers in cities across the country an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of Islam, as well as to interact with members of their local Muslim communities," said CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida.
Hopida offered a presentation, "Addressing Islamophobia: Breaking Down Stereotypes," to a group of some 50 Elderhostelers.
Other presenters included Shaykh Taha Hassane, Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego, who covered a lecture entitled, "Islam 101" and CAIR-San Diego staff member Homayra Yusufi who elaborated on addressing stereotypes of women in Islam.
There will be one more scheduled 'Bridging Bridges to Islam' scheduled on March 26. For more information, go here.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties 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.
CONTACT: CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida, 619-913-0719 or 858-278-4547; E-mail: ehopida@cair.com
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CAIR-NJ: HEATED FILM ABOUT ISLAMIC TERROR SHOWN AT AREA CHURCH - TOPPhil Garber, Mount Olive Chronicle, 3/20/09
A controversial film about threats to the U.S. from Islamic radicals was shown on Sunday at a Flanders church not to fuel anti-Islamic sentiment but as an indication of the expected return of Jesus Christ, according to the church pastor. . .
The film, however, has been sharply criticized by the Islamic community for inflaming anti-Moslem sentiments and for misrepresenting facts about Islamic fundamentalists.
Afsheen Shamsi, a spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations of N.J. (CAIR), said the film exploits America’s unfamiliarity with Moslems.
“It is a propaganda piece,” Shamsi said. “It tries to bring people to believe that the Moslem world is an overall hot bed that wants to destroy the west. That is not so. These are people who are on the fringes of society.”
“There is no threat from mainstream Muslims or Muslim nations,” she said.
Shamsi also said she would offer to provide a 10-part educational DVD about Islam for parishioners of Hope Baptist Church. . .
“Obsessions” was sharply condemned by an organization known as Hate hurts America, a non-partisan interfaith and community coalition formed by a wide base of religious and civic organizations in an effort to address the rising problem of hatred against American minorities.
The Hate Hurts America website, Obsessionwithhate.com, says anti-Western militant ideology is being propagated by “those who have misused Islam.”
“Few would disagree that Al Qaeda and its imitators are ruthless enemies that the United States must deal with forcefully,” the website says. “But “Obsession” is not an honest critique of violent radicalism. Instead, it is a propaganda piece that seeks to cast a wide net of suspicion against Muslims by blurring the line between violent radicalism and mainstream Islam.” (More)
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WHEN NYPD WEARS A MUSLIM TOPI - TOPPolice chaplaincy lets Khalid Latif embody both Islam and American culture.Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 3/19/09
Around five in the morning one day in the summer of 2007, just as Imam Khalid Latif was preparing for the salatul-fajr, the obligatory prayer between dawn and sunrise, the phone in his small Manhattan apartment began to ring.
He had been up late the night before, having just conducted a nikkah, a Muslim wedding ceremony, for a South Asian couple he knew from New York University, where he served as chaplain. Afterward, he offered to drive a few students back into the city, so he had not gotten home as early as he might have expected.
On the phone was an operations dispatcher from the New York Police Department (NYPD), where Imam Latif also served as a chaplain, having been named only three months earlier to the post. This was his first emergency call: Two cops had been shot, one fatally. He was to go to the hospital to minister to the families and fellow officers of the fallen.
He has had a number of emergency calls since then, but none has been for a Muslim officer or family. The eight members of the NYPD Chaplains Unit a group of part-timers that includes Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jews take turns being on call. But even when the relevant denominational chaplain arrives, the first responder often stays. For six hours, Latif remained with the mother of the slain officer, an Orthodox Christian. She wept the entire time. (More)
-----CAIR-CA AND MAS FREEDOM JOIN IWJ AND OTHER GROUPS IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT - TOP
(LOS ANGELES, CA, 3/17/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations-California (CAIR-CA) and the Muslim American Society's MAS Freedom (MASF) join Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) in support of the Employee Free Choice Act, which was introduced in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate last week.
In a joint statement, MAS Freedom Executive Director Mahdi Bray and CAIR-Los Angeles Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, both national board members with IWJ, said:
"Workers who demand the right to their free association with labor unions operate not only within the parameters of American law, but also within the boundaries of the Islamic concept of justice.
"For Muslims, justice is an integral and indispensable part of all human relationships, including those within the workplace, and between employers and workers. This concept of justice means fairness, balance, and reciprocal respect for the dignity and rights of owners, managers, and employees. One of these rights is the right of free association for the protection of the dignity and economic well-being of working people."
READ FULL STATEMENT HERE: An Islamic Perspective in Support of the Employee Free Choice Act (scroll down to see the Islamic perspective on the issue) SEE ALSO: Union Legislation Drive Begins in Congress (New York Times blog) The Employee Free Choice Act is expected to play a critical role in improving the lives of poor and working class families by giving them the opportunity to negotiate their own economic security. The Act provides workers an opportunity to form unions through card checks or secret ballot elections. Under the current law, management has the power to decide whether to recognize a union through card checks or secret ballot elections, often times intimidating workers through the election process.
SEE: Clash Over Labor-Rights Bill Appears Likely (Washington Post)
ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be polite and respectful)
1. You can take action now by calling Congress and letting them know you support the Employee Free Choice Act. Call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask them to transfer you to your Representative and both State Senators.