ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF METRO NY ON THE DISBANDING OF THE NYPD DEMOGRAPHICS UNIT
Wednesday,
April 16, 2014 .
Yesterday, Police Commissioner William Bratton announced the disbanding
of the NYPD Special Surveillance Unit, that targeted the Muslim community
for years under the leadership of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police
Commissioner Ray Kelly. The Majlis Ash-Shura of Metropolitan New York
congratulates all Muslims in New York City and beyond, and our many allies, who
"dared to struggle, dared to win" against such an
injustice.
To all who spoke out, marched, rallied, wrote, litigated and engaged
in every possible act of legal resistance, know that Allah has blessed your
efforts. You were determined to stand for our communal and individual civil,
constitutional and human rights. You refused to be intimidated and compromise
for the sake of expediency. You were criticized and
rebuffed by the former mayor and police commissioner and boycotted their photo
ops. You did not defend nor apologize for their actions. Instead,
you supported the leadership of the Majlis Ash-Shura as we all stood
together on the front lines of struggle.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded us to change
evil with our hands when we see it. If we can't do that he said, then
speak out against it. If we can't do that, then hate and resist it in your
hearts he continued, but that is the weakest of faith. Brothers and sisters,
know that you have demonstrated your strong faith and must continue to do so.
Two years
before 9-11 , officers of an NYPD special unit unjustly killed an innocent
Muslim African immigrant named Amadou Diallo. Eventually after much
public opposition, struggle and legal action, the unit was disbanded but the
need for police reform continues to this day. Likewise, the disbanding of the
NYPD Demographics Unit is a beginning not an end. We must remain both vigilant
and diligent in protecting our rights and those of all people.
Mayor
DeBlasio has set the tone for an atmosphere in which meaningful changes can
occur in NYPD policies and procedures. Our prayer is that his vision will be
our vision , and that Police
Commissioner Bratton will be true to his word and lead the NYPD towards a 21st
century model of policing, that ensures public safety while safeguarding the
constitutional, civil, and human rights of all citizens.
May Allah
bless our Muslim leaders with the courage to stand for what is right and just,
oneness of purpose, unity of ranks, and the wisdom to act in effective
strategic ways, that will secure meaningful victories for our community,
and all of humanity.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
THE MAJLIS ASH-SHURA OF METROPOLITAN NEW YORK
1350 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 2ND FLOOR
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019
(212)
203-5098
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