(PHOENIX, AZ, 6/17/19) – The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today called on the Phoenix Police Department to take swift action in response to a disturbing incident caught on video showing officers using excessive force against a local family.
CAIR-AZ said the recently-released video shows officers – guns drawn – shouting profanities at a family – including a pregnant woman. This was in response to the family’s 4-year-old child allegedly taking a doll from a dollar store, to which the parents were unaware.
SEE: Family demands changes after viral incident with Phoenix police, calls apologies a sham
During the incident, the video appears to show officers kicking and pushing Dravon Ames, the child’s father, as well as handcuffing the mother, Iesha Harper. Apologies have been issued from Phoenix PD’s chief and from Mayor Kate Gallego, however CAIR-AZ is demanding further action.
“This incident is just the latest in a disturbing trend emanating from Phoenix PD,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-AZ’s executive director.
“We are on the heels of revelations of hateful anti-black and Islamophobic online behavior by Phoenix police, as well as by police departments across the country,” Siddiqi said. “There are clearly systemic issues at play here, ones that will not be solved merely through an apology. Marginalized communities have continuously been the target of disproportionate force by police, therefore drastic steps need to be taken to ensure that this will not happen in the future.”
SEE ALSO: Phoenix Cops Bash Muslims, Call Black People Thugs in Shocking Facebook Posts
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-AZ Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, [email protected]; 480-704-3786
