ICNA Calls for Resignation of NYPD Commissioner Kelly

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
ICNA Condemns NYPD Screening of Islamophobic Film in Training Sessions
New York, NY – January 24, 2012: The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), one of the nation’s leading Muslim organizations, called for the resignation of Commissioner Ray Kelly today as new information was released regarding the showing of a blatantly Islamophobic film, “The Third Jihad,” during police training sessions.


According to The New York Times, the film depicts a covert jihad that seeks to destroy and conquer the Western world. According to ICNA, this blatantly bigoted attack on Islam will only fuel hatred and Islamophobia.
The President of ICNA, Dr. Zahid H. Bukhari, stated, “We call on Mayor Bloomberg to either fire Commissioner Kelly or ask for his resignation. The NYPD under Kelly’s leadership has allowed a blatantly racist, Islamophobic film to be used to train over 1,489 police officers. This film was also produced by individuals and groups with ties to anti-Muslim hate groups. This type of clandestine behavior by the NYPD not only violates the civil liberties and civil rights of Muslim Americans but calls into question the integrity of a police force that is sworn to protect thousands of law abiding Muslim Americans and other ethnic communities who live in New York City.”
According to The New York Times, the film was funded by the Clarion Fund, a nonprofit group that shares officials with Aish HaTorah, an Israeli organization that opposes any territorial concessions on the West Bank. After documents were released regarding the NYPD spying on Muslim communities, the use of this video for training purposes by the NYPD does not come as a shock. According to documents released by the Freedom of Information Law, “The Third Jihad”, which includes an interview with Commissioner Kelly, was shown “on a continuous loop for between three months and one year of training.” ICNA would like to commend both The Brennan Center for its persistent investigation and The New York Times for getting the truth out.
To interview ICNA representatives, contact Jillian Nannery at The TASC Group. Phone: (646) 723-4344; Email: Jill@thetascgroup.com.
About The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA):
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts. Visit www.defendingreligiousfreedom.com.
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