The Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today called for an independent investigation of an alleged police assault on a peaceful anti-genocide protester outside a Cuyahoga County Council meeting Tuesday night.
SEE: Videos of Alleged Assault
According to the victim, Ruby Darwish, she was exiting the building and a police officer passed by her, turned around shoved her with significant force, and then another officer immediately grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall. A civilian reportedly intervened by putting himself in between her and the police officer.
The victim was rushed to an urgent care for her injuries where she was sent to the emergency room for examination.
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh said:
“This incident is truly concerning but unfortunately is not the only incident of its kind, for we know there has been much similar evidence of alleged abuse of power from law enforcement around the country, most recently the horrific murder of Sonya Massey by a police officer in Illinois.
“I am touched by the bravery of the heroic civilian that reportedly put his person in harm’s way to protect this young Muslim student. CAIR-Ohio urges the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office to investigate this incident. We would also like the department to issue better training to the entire department when working around civilian populations.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
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-Ohio, Cleveland & North Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247