CAIR worried about FBI investigating US mosque Imams

Rasa - CAIR says it has received reports from around the nation of mosque officials being asked to meet with FBI agents and then being pressed to inform on members of their congregations.

News ID: 1508

Date: 29 October 2014 - 21:14

RNA - According to the World Bulletin, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the USA's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, urged mosque and community leaders to seek the advice of an attorney if they are approached by the FBI for questioning, Defending Dissent reported.

CAIR says it has received reports from around the nation of mosque officials being asked to meet with FBI agents and then being pressed to inform on members of their congregations.

According to the report, CAIR recommended that before any meeting with the FBI or any law enforcement agency, American Muslim leaders should seek the advice of an attorney and have that attorney present at any meeting.

“American Muslim leaders and institutions should maintain positive relations with local and federal law enforcement authorities, but those relations must be built on respect for constitutionally-protected civil rights,” said CAIR Civil rights Litigation Director Jenifer Wicks. “Consulting with an attorney is the best way to protect your rights.”

She said all Americans are invested in protecting our nation; however, the FBI’s overbroad and coercive use of informants in mosques, reports of outreach meetings being used for intelligence gathering and other acts of abuse demonstrate that community leaders should engage legal professionals to ensure the protection of their rights and those of their congregations.

Wicks recommended that if community leaders are contacted by the FBI or other law enforcement officials, they should ask for business cards from those individuals and immediately consult with an attorney before any questioning takes place.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.

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