(CHICAGO, IL, 6/7/2023) – The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for an independent investigation of the police reaction to a death of a Palestinian-American fatally hit by a car near Chicago.
That incident has sparked widespread protest, demanding justice for the victim and accountability for those responsible.
According to media reports, Murod Kurdi, a 28-year-old Palestinian American, was fatally hit by a car last month. The driver of that car, a white woman, reportedly refused to take a sobriety test and acknowledged that she was using her phone while driving. Despite this, the woman was allowed to leave the scene.
An officer who examined the response to the incident was reportedly one of the three officers who reportedly beat Palestinian-American teen Hadi Abuatelah at a traffic stop last July.
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“We stand in solidarity with the family of Murod Kurdi and the entire Palestinian-American community during this tragic and challenging time,” said Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago. “The lack of charges in this case is deeply disturbing and sends a message that crimes against marginalized communities can go unpunished. We demand an independent and transparent investigation that ensures justice is served and restores faith in our justice system.”
We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Murod Kurdi and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian American community during this difficult time. We will continue to monitor this case closely and provide support to the family as they seek justice and closure.”
CAIR-Chicago is urging the law enforcement agencies involved to prioritize this investigation to determine the circumstances leading to Kurdi’s death.
Rehab added: “We call on state and local authorities to allocate the necessary resources to bring those responsible to justice and ensure appropriate legal action.
CAIR-Chicago also encouraged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. “It is crucial that community members and witnesses work together to ensure the fair resolution and closure for the family of Murod Kurdi,” said Rehab.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, [email protected]; Erin Davis, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 773-802-8786, [email protected]