(BALTIMORE, Md., 1/31/2023) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations today urged Maryland lawmakers to pass House Bill 115 Civil Rights – Government Liability – Ending Qualified Immunity and House Bill 38 No Knock Warrants in memory of Tyre Nichols and Breonna Taylor. Both bills have been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 legislative session.
SEE: HB115
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/Hb0115
HB38
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/Hb0038
“As our nation grapples yet again with the brutality and senselessness of police violence in the aftermath of Tyre Nichols’ death, Maryland lawmakers have the opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that will help ensure justice and accountability in our state,” said CAIR’s Maryland director Zainab Chaudry. “No parent should have to bury a child, no child should have to bury their parent because the system proclaiming to promote public safety failed them and their family. We urge lawmakers to center directly impacted voices, listen to the calls for change and pass these bills.”
Both bills will be part of CAIR’s legislative priorities for the annual Muslim lobby day which will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6 p.m. EST.
Register for 2023 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
https://bit.ly/2023muslimlobbyday
Background:
On January 7, 2023, five police officers from the Memphis Police Department brutally beat 29-year-old Nichols during a traffic stop, resulting in his hospitalization and death three days later. A New York Times investigation found that officers gave “71 commands in 13 minutes” that were often contradictory and unachievable.
SEE: 71 Commands in 13 Minutes: Officers Gave Tyre Nichols Impossible Orders
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/29/us/tyre-nichols-video-assault-cops.html
CAIR Statement on Tyre Nichols
On March 13, 2023, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her Louisville, Kentucky apartment when at least seven police officers executing a no-knock warrant forced entry into the apartment as part of an investigation.
SEE: Feds charge 4 officers with violating Breonna Taylor’s rights
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]