The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a violent police raid that took place this morning in Detroit against Wayne State University (WSU) students at a peaceful encampment that led to the physical detainment of students and two Muslim women having their hijabs removed.
This morning around sunrise, WSU police officers with support of the Detroit police raided an encampment of students who seek to raise awareness about ongoing war crimes against the people of Gaza and apartheid-like conditions that Palestinians live under.
Students reported to CAIR-MI that after minimal warning, officers encircled peace protesters not allowing them to retreat then swarmed them leading to several of them being violently detained.
Community members are currently protesting the actions of the police. Attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and CAIR-MI are on the scene.
SEE: Protests continue after Wayne State police clear Pro-Palestinian encampment on campus (Detroit News)
Two Muslim women who were peacefully protesting were reportedly violently subdued, which led to their hijabs being removed. Video footage of the incident which was taken by students was shared with CAIR-MI.
“We condemn the violent raid against peaceful protesters at WSU by police officers, which appears to be politically motivated just as law enforcement quells political dissent under despotic regimes abroad,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “We call for all peaceful protesters who are being detained to be immediately released by law enforcement without charge and for the Michigan Attorney General Nessel to launch an investigation into today’s incident.”
Walid also stated that CAIR-MI will be exploring legal options against the university and all law enforcement departments involved.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR 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: CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR-MI Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure, 586-943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com