Muslims criticize Bloomberg veto of NYPD watchdog

Muslim-American civil rights groups are criticizing New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for vetoing a bill on Tuesday (July 23) that would have created an independent inspector general to oversee the New York City Police Department. The New York City Council passed the bill June 27 as a check against controversial NYPD policies that critics…

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House Democrats decry Bloomberg’s ‘underhanded’ response to concerns over NYPD Muslim spying

WASHINGTON — Ten House Democrats, including a member of the party’s leadership and lawmakers who oversee intelligence and homeland security matters, have criticized New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his “underhanded and unprofessional” response to criticism of the New York Police Department’s spying programs. The Associated Press has reported for months that the NYPD systematically…

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Bloomberg says religion not a factor for NYPD but documents suggest otherwise

NEW YORK — The New York Police Department collected information on businesses owned by second- and third-generation Americans specifically because they were Muslims, according to newly obtained secret documents. They show in the clearest terms yet that police were monitoring people based on religion, despite claims from Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the contrary. The NYPD…

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Muslim groups, interfaith leaders plan rally in wake of NYPD intel report on surveillance

NEW YORK — Muslim groups and interfaith leaders are holding a rally in the wake of a report about New York Police Department intelligence. The rally is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2012, at Manhattan’s Foley Square. It will be followed by a march to police headquarters. A secret police document shows that…

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NYC councilman calls for creation of inspector general’s office to oversee police department

NEW YORK — A New York City councilman is calling for the creation of an inspector general’s office to oversee the police department. Two lawyers with the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University called Monday for such an office in a New York Times opinion piece. Democratic City Councilman Brad Lander echoed them…

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