What has happened to Abdul Kadri Hashi is more than injustice; it is an outrage!
At the last Minneapolis Planning Commission a Mr. Abdul Kadri Hashi gave "public" testimony about the parking problems surrounding the Karmel Square Shopping Mall. It is instructive to look at what happened afterwards. Mr. Hashi contacted me a few days later and asked if I could help him or recommend a lawyer because Basim Sabri was threatening him. I put him in touch with a lawyer I knew who was specializing in non-profit and social justice issues. On Friday Mr. Hashi called me at about seven o'clock and informed me that Sabri had shut his business down and was taking his things while insulting him. Hashi informed me that Sabri had said (for everyone to hear) that this was what happens when someone is opposing him. That the other Somali's should be warned, that this was happening because Mr. Hashi was "sleeping with the white men". He informed me that other Somali people had advised him to call me for assistance and asked if I would come and help him. I told him that I would but in the meantime to call the Council Members for the area after calling the police. Mr. Hashi sounded skeptical about police help, he did not think the police would help because Sabri hired an off duty police officer to help him. As I drove I called Council Member Zimmerman and 911 and asked them to assist Mr. Hashi. I only got the answering machine of CM Zimmerman and the 911 operator said I had no standing to be calling the police in this matter. I have since called and asked the new Precinct Commander Kris Arneson to investigate the situation and the allegations of being threatened. I do not know about the others, but I have confidence in Captain Arneson. She is already looking into the matter and says she will be personally talking to Mr. Hashi. (The Fifth got themselves a responsive Precinct Commander) Mr. Hashi demonstrated considerable courage in giving public testimony before the Minneapolis Planning Commission. As Aesop said, "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." Mr. Hashi probably knew that he endangered his well being by giving such testimony, but he did his duty as a citizen anyway! He clearly is paying a severe price for his willingness to be that good citizen in Minneapolis, and for his willingness to give public input into public decisions. How can the public bodies of Minneapolis operate if they cannot receive such public testimony? How can the public bodies of Minneapolis operate when those applying for zoning changes or licenses can use coercion to keep people from giving truthful testimony? The Planning Commission has a serious matter to consider this evening. Their very legitimacy is in question if those giving testimony before them are afraid or coerced into giving false testimony. Minneapolis needs to address this matter immediately! Any decisions around any matter under consideration about this issue should be postponed until a complete investigation is completed. Or, the applied for zoning changes and C.U.P. should be denied. No one should be rewarded for using coercion to prevent public input. Membership of the Minneapolis "List" includes several lawyers, with a couple who have in the past acted on behalf of the Somali people. Is it possible for some of you to come to the assistance of these people? They are being unfairly exploited because there is the belief that they cannot defend themselves. Please do not just accept what I say, but go and investigate yourself. But do do it behind the scenes so these people are not also the victims of even more retaliation. I know that Greg Luce has in the past been interested in "Tenant" issues with Somali People. Perhaps he can (behind the scenes) help these Somali people? They deserve some kind of legal help, so they are not so fearful of their families livelihood that they are victimized. Perhaps Greg, and those interested, could contact Amy Klobachar and ask about her conversations with some of the women shop owners about their treatment. Mayor Rybak could you and your staffs please investigate and help end this exploitation? We cannot have the City you have said you dream of unless these people also have a chance for their dreams in Minneapolis. Mayor Rybak you could be the only hope these people have for fair treatment. City Council Members should also set up a commission to look into and address this issue. Minneapolis needs public input from all its residents into public decisions. No person should be in fear that his or her business and the livelihood for there family is in danger by giving that testimony. Somali people came to this country for freedom and economic improvement for their families, not to be exploited and put into bondage by some developers. They deserve more! The Mayor and the Council should insure this injustice stops. Jim Graham, Ventura Village, Phillips Community Planning District, Sixth Ward of Minneapolis "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." - Aesop REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
