(TAMPA, FL 7/6/14) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida) today expressed relief that Florida high school student Tariq Khdeir has been released from custody after he was brutally beaten and detained by Israeli forces. Despite his release, he was placed under house arrest.
Khdeir’s beating was captured on video. He is a cousin of kidnapped and murdered Palestinian teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir.
[NOTE: Six suspects have been arrested for allegedly burning Mohammed Abu Khdeir to death.]
SEE: Tariq Abu Khdeir Released Under House Arrest Sunday (Baltimore Sun)
Video: Al Jazeera Report on Beating of U.S. Teen Tariq Khdeir
CNN: Tariq Khdeir Brutally Beaten by Israeli Police Goes to Court
“We are relieved that Tariq Khdeir is now free and may receive the medical treatment he was denied by Israeli authorities,” said CAIR-Florida Chief Executive Director Hassan Shibly. “It is unacceptable that Tariq has been sentenced to house arrest while those who beat him so brutally remain free.”
He thanked all those worldwide who expressed support for the family and said the international community needs to value the lives and safety of all children, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Shibly noted that CAIR-Florida also issued an action alert calling for Tariq Khdeir’s safe return to the United States.
SEE: CAIR Action Alert Seeking Tariq Khdeir’s Return to the United States
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization had called on American officials to press for Khdeir’s release, and the U.S. State Department subsequently issued a statement that said:
“We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force. We are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force.”
Video: U.S. Lodges Protest Over American Teen ‘Severely Beaten’ by Israeli Border Police
CAIR joined Maryland relatives of the beaten teen at a rally Saturday outside the White House in Washington, D.C.CAIR Photo: White House Rally Shows Support for Tariq Khdeir
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152256737692695 Israel claims it is opening a “probe” of the beating.
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Florida Chief Executive Director Hassan Shibly, 813-541-4321, hshibly@cair.com; CAIR-Florida Regional Operations Director Nezar Hamze, 954-673-9459, nhamze@cair.com; CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@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
