CAIR-NY Welcomes Dropping of Charges Against Anti-Genocide Protester Arrested Under Mask Ban
Photo Credit: Nassau County
(NEW YORK, NY – 11/25/2024) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed the decision by the Nassau County District Attorney to drop charges against an anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian protester who had been arrested under a mask ban for wearing a keffiyeh.
On Friday, Nov. 22, charges were dismissed against Xavier Roa. Roa was arrested on September 15 during a rally protesting the sale of occupied Palestinian land promoted at a local synagogue. Officers asked whether he was wearing it for medical or religious purposes, which are exceptions to the mask law. Roa responded that he was wearing the keffiyeh “in solidarity with the Palestinian movement.” He was then taken into custody and later released with an appearance ticket.
SEE: Charges dropped against pro-Palestinian protester arrested under mask ban for wearing a keffiyeh
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Nassau County Police for Arrest of Protester Wearing Keffiyeh Under New Mask Ban
In a statement, Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., stated:
“From its onset, Nassau County's ban on face masks was a clear attempt to undermine legal protests against the far-right Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza and for Palestinian human rights. We are happy to hear the attempt to prevent free speech has failed in this case, and we are certain that intimidation tactics against just causes will never succeed in silencing our voices.”
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY Communications Coordinator, samar@cair.com