The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today welcomed a Wayne County Circuit Court ruling that, for the second time, rejected claims brought against CAIR-MI and its Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., in connection with CAIR-MI’s lawful advocacy and representation of a local business owner.
The lawsuit arose after CAIR-MI represented Garden City Collision and its owner, who had reportedly been subjected to repeated police complaints by a neighbor. In its latest ruling, the Court denied the plaintiff’s attempt to revive claims for defamation and abuse of process against CAIR-MI and Doukoure, finding that the proposed amended claims remained legally futile. The Court held that statements made to police are absolutely privileged, that statements made during public commentary before the Garden City Council were protected opinion or rhetorical commentary, and that the abuse-of-process theory remained legally insufficient.
“We welcome the Court’s decision recognizing that civil rights advocates and attorneys cannot be sued simply for doing their jobs,” said Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-MI. “When business owners, families, workers, students, or community members come to CAIR-MI because they believe they are being targeted or treated unfairly, our responsibility is to advocate within the bounds of the law. This ruling affirms that lawful advocacy cannot be turned into retaliation.”
Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., Lead Staff Attorney at CAIR-MI said:
“This case should never have been used as a vehicle to punish protected advocacy. From the beginning, it appeared to be brought solely as an attempt to chill CAIR-MI’s advocacy and target our organization for diligently fulfilling its duty to represent a community member who sought our help. The Court has now twice rejected attempts to impose liability on CAIR-MI and me for conduct tied to lawful representation, public advocacy, and reporting concerns to appropriate authorities. This dismissal sends a clear message: CAIR-MI’s strong and effective advocacy cannot be stopped simply because someone is unhappy with its impact. We are grateful that the Court recognized the legal protections that apply in these circumstances.”
CAIR-MI said the ruling is significant because civil rights organizations and attorneys must be able to represent clients, communicate with public officials, and report concerns to law enforcement without fear that those actions will be reframed as defamation or abuse of process. The organization emphasized that such lawsuits risk chilling protected speech, legal advocacy, and access to representation for marginalized communities and small business owners.
CAIR-MI will continue defending the rights of Michigan residents and businesses facing discrimination, harassment, unequal treatment, and government overreach.
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
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure (586) 943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com; CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid, (248) 842-1418, dwalid@cair.com