(Minneapolis, MN, 10/17/16) - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today joined the Minneapolis NAACP in calling for an independent investigate of an incident in which an African-American man was arrested for walking in the street because a sidewalk was under construction.

SEE: Minneapolis NAACP Demands Accountability from Edina Police for Mistreatment of Black Pedestrian

https://www.facebook.com/naacpmpls/posts/1706080406379801 

Cell phone video of the arrest by a white police officer in Edina, Minn., has drawn widespread outrage. The woman who captured the incident on video said, "There was absolutely no reason for the officer to stop him from walking."

SEE: Video Shows Black Man Being Arrested For Apparently Walking in Street

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/man-arrested-for-walking-in-street_us_58039cc3e4b0e8c198a8a1d8 

"We believe this humiliating incident would not have occurred had the individual targeted by the officer been white," said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. "This is an apparent case of 'walking while black' that should be investigated by an independent body."

CAIR has called for similar investigations of other incidents nationwide involving allegations of disparate treatment of African-Americans by law enforcement authorities.

SEE: CAIR-OK Seeks 'Fair and Transparent' Probe of Police Shooting Death of Terence Crutcher

http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/13785-cair-ok-seeks-fair-and-transparent-probe-of-police-shooting-death-of-terence-crutcher-2.html 

CAIR Demands Independent Probe, Accountability Following N.C. Police Shooting

http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/13782-cair-demands-independent-probe-accountability-following-n-c-police-shooting.html 

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-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.