The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona) has successfully led a coalition of 30 organizations in urging Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature to take immediate action in defense of free speech. In a letter sent this week, the coalition raised concerns over the suppression of speech and the targeting of individuals advocating for human rights, particularly those speaking in defense of Palestine.
The letter highlights the recent abduction and detention of Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an incident that has heightened fears of growing repression against human rights activists. The coalition warns that such suppression threatens not just one group but all movements advocating for justice, including racial justice, migrant rights, religious freedom, and environmental activism.
In a statement, CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif said: “We cannot stand idly by while fundamental rights are eroded under the guise of national security or political expediency. Today, it is Palestinian rights advocates being silenced; tomorrow, it could be anyone fighting for justice. Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, and we urge Arizona’s leaders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting it.”
The coalition’s letter calls on state leadership to take a definitive stance in defending the First Amendment, warning that any erosion of these rights could have severe consequences for political discourse and activism across the nation.
The signatories of the letter include civil rights groups, faith-based organizations, student associations, and community advocacy groups, all united in their commitment to ensuring that Arizona remains a place where individuals can speak freely without fear of retaliation.
CAIR-Arizona and its partners urge the Governor and the Arizona State Legislature to respond with a firm commitment to upholding free speech protections and ensuring that Arizona remains a beacon of liberty and justice for all.
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CONTACT: CAIR Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, 602-349-1573, aabuseif@cair.com