Racial profiling and surveillance of Arabs in the US

Essential Middle East explores how public reporting of what’s considered suspicious activity has made Muslims a target.

A New York City police officer stands guard as Muslims pray during the Eid holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, July 6, 2016.
A New York City police officer stands guard in Brooklyn as Muslims pray during the Eid holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan [File: Stephanie Keith/Reuters]

A recent Arab American Action Network report in Illinois analyzed more than 200 police documents. It found that suspicious activity reports have criminalised Arabs and Muslims under the guise of “public safety”. Further investigation by the community group has revealed a crisis in racial profiling and surveillance of Arabs and Muslims in the United States.

In this episode: 

  • Muhammad Sankari, lead organiser at the Arab American Action Network (@aaanmarkaz)

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik, and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. 

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@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Source: Al Jazeera

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