MUSLIM LEGAL FUND OF AMERICA: MLFA Applauds Dismissal of Case Against Florida Imam

MLFA Applauds Dismissal of Case Against Florida Imam
Organization continues funding defense of father imam after two sons are set free
DALLAS, January 22, 2013 – Representatives from the Muslim Legal Fund of America, a national civil liberties defense organization, are applauding a federal judge’s decision to dismiss the case against Florida imam Izhar Khan, 26, who was accused son of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (USA v. Khan, Hafiz Muhammad Sher Ali). On Thursday, January 17, U.S. District Judge Robert Scola issued a judgment of acquittal due to lack of evidence in the prosecution’s case, which concluded on Wednesday. Scola stated that the government’s allegations were unfounded. According to a January 17 Miami Herald article, Scola said, “I do not believe in good conscience that I can allow the case to go forward against Izhar Khan.” Izhar Khan spent 20 months in the Miami Federal Detention Center with his father, Hafiz Khan, while they waited for their trial. Most of this time was spent in solitary confinement. Imam Hafiz Khan is 77 years old. “We are overjoyed that justice prevailed to end this dark chapter in Izhar’s life,” said Khalil Meek, Executive Director of MLFA. “This ruling is a strong testament to the weakness of the government’s case, and we pray that justice continues to prevail.” Izhar is the second son of Hafiz Khan to have charges dismissed in this case. Prosecutors dropped all charges against Izhar’s brother, Irfan, 38, in June of last year due to lack of evidence. After Scola’s ruling, Izhar expressed his gratitude for the community’s support of his family. “I’m extremely happy,” said Izhar Khan. “I don’t even have words to explain my joy.” As an imam at the Jamaat Al-Mu’mineen Mosque in Margate, Florida, Izhar said he is looking forward to continuing his work with the youth, playing sports and getting married. The Muslim Legal Fund of America (MFLA) is a national civil liberties legal fund that defends the U.S. Bill of Rights by supporting legal cases involving civil liberty encroachments. Established in 2001, MLFA has defended freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to a fair trial, due process of law and many of our nation’s civil liberties. To learn more about MLFA, visit www.mlfa.org. # # #
MLFA is 100% donor funded. We rely on your generosity to continue the struggle for fairness in the American court system. With your help, we are meeting these challenges. Donations to MLFA are tax-deductible and zakat-eligible.

America, Muslim Legal Fund of America, Muslims, USA vs Khan

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