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ADC Expresses Serious Concern Over
Ambassador Bridge Arrests The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee (ADC) Michigan has voiced serious concern over the arrests
of two young Arab American men last Monday, who were suspected of
videotaping the Ambassador Bridge. The two men were released
after a long and grueling interrogation with the FBI and the Detroit
Police, which turned up no evidence against the men to indicate that
they posed any threat. The practice of arresting individuals who
appear to be of Arab decent, based on what is presumed to be
“suspicious” activity has grown rampant since September 11.
This week’s arrests serve as an example of the need for ongoing
enhanced training for police officers, who are expected to determine
whether or not someone poses a threat. “While ADC
understands the need for the government to be vigilant and ensure
the safety of citizens, this need should not infringe on the rights
of citizens going about everyday activities,” states ADC Michigan
Director Imad Hamad. “The method that this particular
incident was handled is alarming. These two individuals did
not commit any crime, yet they were subjected to screening, based
simply on a judgment call by officers who were at the scene.” ADC
stresses that all law enforcement agencies should proceed with the
utmost sensitivity and base any judgment on suspicious behavior and
conduct, rather than on assumptions and speculations. The Arab
American community has endured plenty of pressure and has been
forced to cope with many challenges since September 11. This
incident has the potential to send the wrong message to the public,
which could lead to an increase of fear and intimidation among the
community. ADC Michigan calls upon all State of Michigan officials,
police departments and federal agents to use this experience as a
reminder that sensitivity training of our law enforcement agents
must be enhanced under these special circumstances. ADC will
continue to monitor this and all similar situations closely, and
will work closely with authorities to address these concerns, so as
to deal with them appropriately.
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