CAIR: FBI Visits to Syrian-Americans Prompt Reminder of Legal Rights

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today issued an advisory reminding Syrian-Americans of their legal responsibilities and rights when contacted or visited by law enforcement authorities.

[NOTE: CAIR issued a similar advisory in 2011 after receiving reports of FBI agents contacting members of the Libyan-American community because of the conflict in that North African nation.]

CAIR's advisory comes amid reports that FBI agents "are expected to interview hundreds of Syrians in the coming days" as the United States is poised to launch a military attack on that nation. The Washington-based civil rights group has also received reports that Syrian-Americans who travel to the Middle East have been approached by military authorities when they return to the United States.

SEE: F.B.I. Sharpens Scrutiny of Syrians in U.S. (NY Times)
http://tinyurl.com/ktw5ph8
CAIR-FL: USF Student Khalid Shakfeh Approached by Military, Feds After Syria Trip 
http://tinyurl.com/m8kgujl

In its advisory to the American Muslim and Syrian-American communities, CAIR said:

American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. As Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right to due process and to be represented by an attorney.

Know Your Responsibility as an American Muslim:

If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Know Your Rights When Contacted by a Law Enforcement Officer:

[Please note: This above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about the material herein or about a specific case, please consult with your attorney.]

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR Staff Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, E-Mail: gabbas@cair.com; CAIR National Legal Counsel Nadhira Al-Khalili, 202-646-6034, e-Mail: nalkhalili@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)