ADC Statement on Non-indictment in Michael Brown Case

ADC Statement on Non-indictment in Michael Brown Case

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | November 25th, 2014 - The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) supports peaceful protests in solidarity with the people of Ferguson, MO. Yesterday, a grand jury failed to bring an indictment against Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed unarmed 18-year old Michael Brown.

ADC strongly believes that the grand jury decision is reflective of the larger problem of law enforcement’s abuse of authority and profiling of communities of color, particularly African-American and Arab-American communities.

As President Obama stated, “We need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, in too many parts of this country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color…There are issues in which the law too often feels as if it is being applied in discriminatory fashion.”

ADC has a long history of supporting the human and civil rights of all Americans and opposing racism and bigotry in any form. ADC routinely works with a broad coalition of national organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), to ensure that the rights of ethnic minorities in the United States are protected.

ADC President Samer Khalaf stated, “While we respect the grand jury process, we are concerned regarding the reports as to the way this grand jury presentment process played out. It seems that the grand jury was not given adequate instruction or information relating to the possible charges or legalities involved.”

In light of the state’s non-indictment, ADC reiterates the Department of Justice’s crucial responsibility to conduct thorough investigations into Michael Brown’s killing and allegations of unconstitutional policing by law enforcement in Ferguson. ADC also calls on Congress to pass the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA), which would prohibit discriminatory profiling by law enforcement at all levels.

ENDS

© Scoop Media