In the wake of an investigation that revealed how the NYPD has been spying on the Shi’a community, non-profit group Muslim Advocates has filed a complaint with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Muslim Advocates has joined with 32 faith based and civic organizations to call for an immediate investigation into the practices and policies employed by the NYPD.
“As the largest police department in the United States, the NYPD sets an example for other law enforcement agencies across the nation, and these types of illegal spying and biased policing practices have serious consequences far beyond the New York tri-state area,” said Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates.
“The Mayor and city of New York, unfortunately, have demonstrated that they are unwilling to hold the NYPD accountable for violating the rights of innocent New Yorkers. It’s time for state officials to step in,” Khera said.
Yesterday, a confidential NYPD document was leaked that included information on the police department’s recommendation to increase surveillance of thousands of Shi’ite Muslims and their mosques.
The Associated Press investigation revealed in October that the NYPD was aided by the CIA in spying and recording the daily actions of Muslims in NYC. In January, it was reported that 1,500 officers were exposed during training to the film”The Third Jihad,” a controversial documentary that many Muslims deem a “propaganda” video. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly was interviewed for the film but has since said he regrets his role in it.
