(LOS ANGELES, CA – 10/16/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned an attack targeting pro-Palestinian protesters during a demonstration in West Los Angeles, Calif., this weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, thousands of protesters marched from the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles to the FBI’s local office to show solidarity with Gaza and Palestine. During the protest, a group of pro-Israeli counter-protesters began attacking some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and even a photographer with the LA Times, with pepper spray.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had a sizeable presence for the duration of the protest, but there were no reports of arrests.
SEE:
- Video of Attack on Pro-Palestinian Protesters – credit: Vishal P. Singh
- Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather at Israeli Consulate in West L.A.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“Protesting, and being able to do so safely, is a right to which every human is entitled. The use of pepper spray by the counter-protesters against the pro-Palestinian demonstrators was an act of blatant and unjustified aggression.
“We unequivocally condemn acts of violence against anyone, for any reason, including this inexcusable attack against largely peaceful protesters, and are disappointed in the LAPD’s lack of response during this incident.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com