CAIR-NY Condemns the Latest Police Violence Against Protesters, Demands the SRG be Disbanded
(NEW YORK, NY - 9/25/2024) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG) reported brutality that resulted in the hospitalization of several protesters demonstrating against the escalation of the genocide in Palestine into Lebanon. CAIR-NY also demands the immediate release of those arrested, including lead organizer Abdullah Akl, who was among those seriously injured and hospitalized.
Yesterday, a “Flood Manhattan for Lebanon” protest was held in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and recent bombings in Lebanon. At some point, protesters progressed beyond the NYPD’s “frozen zone” barricade. The NYPD’s SRG forces allegedly met protesters with violence that left several people in need of hospitalization. Among those reportedly brutalized is a Within Our Lifetime lead organizer, Abdullah Akl, who is said to have suffered a severe injury and required medical attention. Akl is also reportedly facing charges of reckless endangerment.
SEE: Protest Flyer
SEE: Within Our Lifetime Statement
SEE: Video
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director, Afaf Nasher, Esq., stated:
“This latest round of the SRG’s assaults against protesters is a despicable representation of how Mayor Adams and the NYPD unleash violence on those daring to speak up against the ongoing massacres in Gaza and Lebanon. Time and time again we are seeing violence erupt at the hands of police officers betraying the constitutional right to protest.
Additionally, we have heard accounts of SRG specifically targeting the organizers of such protests, presumably to intimidate them and to disrupt and silence future mobilizations.
We call for the immediate release of those arrested, and that all charges be dropped. We further demand that Mayor Adams disband the SRG for its repeated brutality against New Yorkers speaking against the genocide in Palestine. The police violence against protesters must end.”
Earlier this year, CAIR-NY advocated against over-policing at protests.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns NYPD SRG, Mayor Adams for Violence Used Against Bay Ridge Protesters
SEE: CAIR-NY Calls on New York City Council to Disband the NYPD SRG; Invest in Community Programs Instead
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., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006
Christina John, Staff Attorney, cjohn@cair.com