Asalaamu Alaikum, Brothers and Sisters —
The Muslim Justice League prays you and your loved ones are safe and joins you in grieving for victims of violence everywhere. In light of past experience, we anticipate FBI/JTTF fishing expeditions in our Muslim communities are now increasing, and that the horrific violence in Paris may be misused to promote misguided and harmful CVE programs. MJL is working to safeguard our communities, and we ask your assistance, as respected community leaders, in that effort.
- Please help protect our communities’ rights. Those with nothing to hide can suffer serious consequences from speaking to the FBI or other law enforcement without counsel, including criminal charges for unintentional/alleged false statements. The fact that a conversation may seem casual, or that someone may be well-connected, does not offer protection from these risks. Please do not answer questions by the FBI or other agencies without an attorney. Please also do not share lists of congregants/associates or voluntarily turn over your cell phone or electronic files. If contacted by the FBI or other law enforcement, please inform the agent, “I do not wish to answer any questions without an attorney. I will have my attorney call you.” Take the agent’s number and call MJL’s hotline (857-256-1310) or our executive director’s cell (585-750-9693). MJL is experienced in providing free legal representation to those approached for FBI questioning, and we do not charge for this service. There is nothing suspicious about using your rights, but there are often grave repercussions, including for others, of failing to do so.
- MJL is experienced in presenting “Know Your Rights” workshops. We deeply appreciate your help in connecting our communities with information. Please let us know if you would permit us to offer such a workshop for your congregation, community center or school.
- Below my signature is information regarding FBI visits and reporting hate crimes which we hope you will share with your contacts. Please do forward it to any listservs or other contacts you believe could benefit.
We thank you for encouraging our communities to use their rights through sharing this information and through your example. Please reach out if we can be of assistance in any way. JazakAllah Khayrun!
With prayers for all our communities,
Shannon
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Shannon Erwin Executive Director, Muslim Justice League 51 Melcher Street Boston MA 02210 cell: 585-750-9693 www.muslimjusticeleague.org Important Information for Communities:
The Muslim Justice League joins you in grieving for victims of violence everywhere. In light of recent political violence in Paris, MJL is working to protect our Muslim communities from backlash based on dangerous notions of collective responsibility. Below is some information we hope you will share with your family and friends.
It is Highly Risky to Speak with the FBI Without a Lawyer.
FBI visits to our local Muslim communities will likely increase in the coming days. You can read about how to respond if the FBI contacts you on MJL’s website. MJL provides free legal representation to those approached by the FBI or other law enforcement for questioning.
If contacted by the FBI or other agents, please do not answer any questions without your attorney. (It is strictly voluntary to speak with them, and those with “nothing to hide” can suffer serious consequences from speaking to an agent without a lawyer — including criminal charges for unintentional or alleged false statements. The fact that a conversation may seem casual, or that someone may be well-connected, offers no protection from these risks.) Instead politely repeat, as many times as necessary, “I do not wish to answer any questions without an attorney. I will have my attorney call you.” Take the agent’s number and call MJL’s Hotline for Free FBI Representation: (857)256-1310. For an example of how to handle an FBI visit, watch this Muslim Advocates video.
Please Report Suspected Hate Crimes.
If you are the victim of a possible hate crime, please inform MJL:serwin@muslimjusticeleague.org / 857-256-1310. We can assist you to file a complaint with theMassachusetts Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.