CAIR's Reaction to Orange County Arrest

Below is the official statement appearing on the website of the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) in response to the arrest last week of Ahmadullah Niazi in Tustin, California (see Orange County Man Claims to Have Infiltrated Local Mosque, 2-27-09).


CAIR-LA Calls for Probe into FBI's Arrest of Ahmad Niazi
Posted 2/25/2009 5:05:00 PM


"(LOS ANGELES, CA, 2/24/09) - At a news conference on Tuesday, February 24, the Greater Los Angeles Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) called on the U.S. Attorney General to investigate FBI's reportedly coercive and questionable tactics in the arrest of Tustin resident, Ahmad Niazi. CAIR-Los Angeles representatives were joined by an Islamic Shura Council of Southern California official and the wife of Mr. Niazi.

At a hearing Tuesday, Mr. Niazi's bail was set at $500,000. He faces charges of perjury, naturalization fraud, misuse of a passport obtained by fraud, and making a false statement to a federal agency. He maintains the charges are in retaliation for his refusal to become an FBI informant.

Mr. Niazi previously reported to CAIR-LA and other community members that, during a raid of a friend's house, an FBI agent urged Mr. Niazi to work with the agency, saying that if he refused to cooperate his life would be made a "living hell."

The letter, sent to Attorney General Eric Holder today, stated in part:

"In April 2008 Mr. Niazi reported to our office that he had been at the home of a potential business partner when it was raided by the FBI. He told us that, during the raid, Special Agent Thomas J. Ropel III urged Mr. Niazi to "work" with the agency, saying that if Mr. Niazi refused to cooperate his life would be made a "living hell."

"Many similar incidents have been reported to our office. This apparently retaliatory persecution is a reality that many American Muslims, unfortunately, are forced to face.

"We therefore urgently request a formal investigation into the FBI and Joint Counter-Terrorism Task Force's arrest of Mr. Niazi, and their investigative, surveillance, and intelligence gathering strategies in connection with the American Muslim community. This investigation should examine when and how agents and officers seek to recruit American Muslims as informants and how these individuals are treated if they refuse recruitment."

SEE: Letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on FBI Tactics
SEE: Bail Set for Man Arrested by Terrorism Task Force (KNBC)
ALSO SEE: Bail OK'd for alleged in-law of al-Qaeda official (AP)


"What we suspected all along is confirmed in a court of law, today," said Shakeel Syed, executive director of the Shura Council, at the news conference. "FBI's use of provocateurs and informants in mosques is unacceptable. While we recognize FBI's outreach efforts, we wish they stop playing the dual role of a buddy and a bully toward law-abiding Muslim Americans."

Jamilah Amin, wife of Mr. Niazi, also addressed reporters at the news conference.

"He is a wonderful husband and a daddy to my kids. He could not be any harm to anybody, to any human being on this earth," she said."

In addition, CAIR's website has posted this article to its readers:

CAIR-LA: Visited by an FBI Agent? Know Your Rights
Posted 2/27/2009 4:57:00 PM

Source: CAIR-LA


"American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. As Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right of due process and to be politically active.

If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Considering recent events and the increase in FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) related incidents reported to our office in the last two months, we suggest to the Muslim community the following steps if visited by FBI/Task Force at their home or workplace:

Understand that your speaking to the FBI/JTTF, absent a subpoena, is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any of their questions, other than giving your name and sometimes your address.

If an FBI/JTTF (including officers from the Department of Homeland Security, local police, sheriff or fire departments) agent shows up at your residence or workplace, and they do not have a search or arrest warrant and absent exigent circumstances, you do not have to let them in or speak to them.

If they do have an arrest or search warrant, you may exercise your right to remain silent. Comply with all directives and do not physically resist an officer.
Be polite and respectful at all times.

If an agent or officer says they have some questions for you, you may refuse to let them into your home or workplace, and you may ask them what their questions are regarding.

If the questioning is regarding a matter that is of a legitimate law enforcement interest, you may choose to assist law enforcement.

If the questioning is regarding a vague matter, or something you do not feel comfortable discussing, you may tell the agents or officers that they may contact your attorney if they wish to speak to you.

Get the names, agencies, badge numbers, and business cards of any and ALL agents or officers who approach you.

Contact your attorney and CAIR to report the incident and to discuss next steps.

Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and lying to an agent or officer is considered perjury and is a criminal offense.

Please note: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about the material herein or about a specific case, please consult with your attorney."

ALSO SEE: FBI Interviews: Knowing the Law Can Protect You (InFocus)