Tell Civil Rights Group Rasmea's Prosecutor Deserves No Award
The Rasmea Odeh Defense Committee just learned that the Michigan-based Arab-American Civil Rights League (ACRL) will be presenting U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade with an award at its upcoming “Justice Award Tribute” event Friday, May 1st, in Detroit, MI. This award comes on the heels of McQuade’s supervision of the unjust arrest, trial, and conviction of Palestinian American community leader Rasmea Odeh.
Rasmea, who is 67 and a torture survivor, was found guilty of “unlawful procurement of citizenship” last November for not indicating on her naturalization application that she had been unjustly imprisoned by the state of Israel back in 1969.
Rasmea's supporters are calling on those dedicated to Palestinian rights to take action to demand ACRL not honor McQuade. Call the ACRL’s Chairman of the Board, Nabih Ayad, at 313-633-0231, to demand they rescind the award. Sample script: "Hello, my name is ____, and I am calling to ask ACRL to not award Barbara McQuade at your upcoming Justice Award Tribute event. There is nothing just about persecuting Palestinian American leaders like Rasmea Odeh. As a group dedicated to civil rights, please do the right thing and rescind the award." (Note that the phone may ring a few times before the voicemail picks up).
Tweet to @ACRLMICH using #NoAward and #ShameonACRL. Click on the tweets below to automatically post them. You can send a message through ACRL's official Facebook page.
Rasmea is planning on appealing her conviction so visit justice4rasmea.org for updates about her case and other actions you can take to support her.