The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins fellow citizens and peace loving people in condemning the statements made by U.S. Presidential Candidate and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 following the terrorist attacks in Belgium. According to news sources, as a strategy to protect America from terrorist attacks, Senator Cruz suggested that “law enforcement should be empowered to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized.”
It is clear that Senator Cruz’s statements following such a tragic day in Belgium are very sad, appalling and uncalled for. Cruz’s suggestions that law enforcement should be empowered to “patrol and secure” Muslim neighborhoods in America is in total disregard to the basic rights and liberties outlined in the U.S. Constitution for all Americans designed to preserve and protect the human rights and human dignity of all citizens, including Muslim Americans. It is unfortunate that Mr. Cruz chose to utilize the fear factor fueled by Anti-Muslim sentiment to gain fame by the name of the safety of our nation. These sensitive times require unity not divide and deeper discussion into how to defeat terrorism without any distraction.
“The Cruz rhetoric is unfortunate. We should all remember that our battle with terrorism is also a battle for the hearts and minds of the overwhelming majority of peaceful and law abiding Muslims in the world,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “It is these kinds of statements and generalizations that further divide Americans rather than unite us.” added Mr. Hamad.