(CANTON, MI, 3/2/2023) – The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed ethnic intimidation and assault and battery charges filed against a former Burton Police Detective for using racial slurs while assaulting an African American motorist.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton recently charged former Burton Police Detective Eric Freeman for an incident which took place last month in which he reportedly smacked the face of an African American motorist while simultaneously calling him the n-word. The 16-year police veteran currently faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted for the most serious charge.
SEE: Former Burton police officer charged with hate crime (Michigan Public Radio)
“We welcome the ethnic intimidation and assault and battery charges brought against former detective Freeman and call on the Burton Police Department to immediately hold racial and ethnic sensitivity training for all of its officers and support staff,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid.
Walid, who is African-American, also stated that he and other African-American Muslims who worship at an Islamic center in Burton should not feel apprehension about driving through Burton out of concern that they could be mistreated by the town’s police officers.
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, [email protected]; CAIR-MI Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure, 248-842-1418, [email protected]