Muslim civil rights group offers condolences, calls for swift justice for victim, family
(BALTIMORE, MD, 9/1/2023) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today strongly condemned the gruesome murder of Mariame Toure Sylla, a Maryland Muslim woman who had been missing since July of this year and whose body was found by Prince George’s County police.
The Washington, D.C., based civil rights and advocacy organization welcomed news of the arrest of a suspect, Harold Francis Landon III, in the murder of the beloved Greenbelt, Md. teacher, and called for justice to the full extent of the law for her and her family.
According to sources, Sylla was wearing hijab, an Islamic head covering, at the time of her disappearance during an evening walk. Her dismembered body was discovered August 1 and later identified by DNA testing.
Police say no motive is known at this time, and there is no indication the alleged suspect knew the victim.
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“To God we belong and to Him we return,” said CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Sr. Mariame. May God enter her into the highest level of paradise and bring the alleged perpetrator of this horrible crime to swift justice.”
CAIR expressed its appreciation to Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz and the officers who worked tirelessly on this case.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]