CRIMINAL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
The Issue
In simple terms, undercover FBI sting operations seek to engage a criminal suspect in criminal activity. For instance, an undercover operative buying narcotics from a drug dealer. In most cases, the FBI does not institute undercover operations unless they have probable cause of ongoing criminal activity. For example, they have credible information that the individual in question is in fact a drug dealer and is selling drugs. However, when it comes to Muslim Americans, the FBI has a far different policy.
Instead of requiring information that the individual is engaged in criminal conduct, the FBI merely targets people that have the potential to engage in criminal activity. The FBI primarily targets these people based on political statements that they’ve made and/or the strength of their religious beliefs. Through undercover operatives, the FBI seeks to persuade the person to commit a criminal act.
What MLFA Is Doing to Help:
The Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) recognizes the structural disadvantages faced by Muslim American defendants in national security cases. MLFA has spent nine years immersed in the national security legal arena, gaining advanced knowledge of how the government operates in these cases.
With this institutional knowledge, MLFA is working to teach and collaborate with various organizations, law firms, agencies, and attorneys. They aim to ensure that the expertise they have gained is shared widely to benefit the Muslim community and improve the defense of Muslim American defendants.
MLFA’s Expertise in Dealing with the Issue:
As the MLFA’s criminal department, our expertise lies in understanding the complexities of national security prosecutions and providing effective defense strategies. Unlike many defense attorneys who may lack experience in national security matters, MLFA has specialized knowledge in this area and can recognize patterns or abuses in the prosecution of these cases.
Additionally, MLFA understands the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Muslim community, which helps in building trust, empathy, and understanding necessary for effective representation. By collaborating with other lawyers, legal and civil organizations, and the Muslim community, MLFA maximizes its impact and works towards a fairer and more just legal system.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of MLFA’s work in the national security legal arena. The institutional knowledge they have acquired over the years puts them ahead of other systems of defense and allows them to provide a strong defense for Muslim American defendants, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.