(ST. LOUIS, M0, 6/26/2019) – The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Missouri) today welcomed the indictment of one of two Country Club Hills police officers who were accused of assaulting an elderly Palestinian-American Muslim man.
SEE: Country Club Hills Officer Charged in Incident Captured by Surveillance Cameras
“We believe holding officers accountable for their actions is essential to building trust between the police and the communities they are supposed to serve and protect,” said Faizan Syed executive director of CAIR-Missouri. “This indictment is a small step in the right direction for our city. We were hoping for a more aggressive indictment that more accurately reflects the seriousness of the allegations; however, some accountability is better than no accountability.”
Earlier this year, CAIR-Missouri released surveillance footage of the incident that shows the officer allegedly grabbing Mohammed Wishah and throwing him to the ground. Wishah suffered serious back injuries and continues to use a cane to walk.
CAIR-Missouri is also calling on the St. Louis County Police Department to take over the investigation of an armed robbery that took place earlier this year where Mohammad Wishah fought off the robbers and was almost shot and killed in the process.
One of the assailants was caught by the Police however the assailant who punched, pistol whipped, and tried to murder Wishah continues to remain at large. CAIR-Missouri does not believe that Country Club Hills Police Department is taking any action to catch that criminal and is requesting the case be taken over by St. Louis County Police Department.
SEE: Man Claims Assault and Cover-up by Country Club Hills Police Officers
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-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
