Civil rights group urges Uber to institute broader safety measures, training and resources for its workers
(BALTIMORE, MD, 8/22/2022) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed news of an arrest made in the case of a Maryland Muslim Uber driver who was shot and killed in Prince George’s County and called for justice and accountability.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR is calling on Uber to institute broader safety measures, training and resources for its workers.
SEE: Md. Dad of 3 Murdered During Attempted Robbery While Driving for Uber, Police Say
https://people.com/crime/maryland-dad-murdered-attempted-robbery-driving-uber/
On August 10, Nesredin Esleiman of Silver Spring, Md., a beloved husband and father of three young children, was shot and killed by a passenger in an apparent robbery while working as an Uber driver. He is described as a “devoted Muslim family man loved by his friends and community.”
Kiayon Strowbridge, 21, has been arrested on charges of first and second-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Esleiman was the sole provider for his family. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his widow and children.
SEE: GoFundMe Campaign to Support Nesredin Esleiman’s Wife and Children
https://www.gofundme.com/f/muslim-uber-driver-killed-while-on-duty-in-pg-md
In a statement to CAIR, Mr. Esleiman’s widow said:
“We are in disbelief and heartbroken amid the loss of my husband to a senseless act of violence. My kids lost a very loving father who worked hard to support his family financially and emotionally. He was an incredible father and a husband. He was very loving and caring and it hurts me to see my kids grow up without his presence in their lives. Me and my kids are mourning the loss of Nesradin and we can’t fully accept that he is gone forever. I believe my kids deserve to know that the person who allegedly committed the crime gets the sentence he deserves for taking away their father. Also, hope that more protection is given to Uber drivers who work to support their family from facing the same destiny as Nesradin. Gun violence is taking more lives every day and as a society we need to do something about it. Our kids need to feel safe, we need to feel safe.”
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, who met with the family and has reached out to police detectives handling the case,said:
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Nesredin Esleiman as they bear this painful loss, and we ask God to enter him into the highest level of paradise. It’s clear from meeting with the family and listening to them, that he was a special person who will be deeply missed. This devastating loss has taken a tremendous toll on them, and irrevocably changed their lives. CAIR welcomes the arrest of a suspect in this horrific, senseless killing of an innocent man, and we expect this is the first step towards justice for Mr. Esleiman’s family and loved ones.”
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 Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062