#CAIR-Houston Calls for Dismissal of Officer for Tasing 76-Year-Old Man (HOUSTON, TEXAS, 12/16/2014) - The Houston office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today called for the dismissal of Victoria police officer Nathanial Robinson after a he threw to the ground and tased 76-year-old Pete Vasquez during a stop for what he claimed was an expired inspection sticker. SEE: 76-Year-Old Victoria Mans Tasing Gains Global Attention victoriaadvocate/news/2014/dec/15/76-year-old-victoria-mans-tasing-gains-global-atte/ The incident was taped on the officer’s dashboard camera. The tape makes it clear that Vasquez made no threatening or aggressive movements toward Officer Robinson, who has been placed on administrative duty while the incident is being investigated. “We find Officer Robinson’s treatment of Mr. Vasquez outrageous,” said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Houston. “While we welcome Victoria Police Chief J.J. Craig’s apology to Mr. Vasquez, we feel the severity of Officer Robinson’s mistreatment of Mr. Vasquez proves he is unfit as an officer of the law and warrants dismissal from his position of authority.” As an increasing number of cases of police abuse come to light, CAIR- Houston believes that police departments must clearly demonstrate their intolerance for police misconduct and mistreatment of suspects. Like many cases of police brutality, the unwarranted physical assault on a 76-year-old man by a police officer compromises the integrity of law enforcement and damages the relationship between police and the community. CAIR is Americas 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. -- END -- CONTACT: CAIR-TX Communications Coordinator Ruth Nasrullah, 713-838-2247 (office), 713-585-6314 (cell); email: rnasrullah@cair; CAIR-TX Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, 713-838-2247 (office), 832-549-1042 (cell); email mcarroll@cair
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:56:21 +0000