WASHINGTON (voa) – Prominent Arab-Americans are expressing outrage over government raids meant to stop funding of terrorist activities.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations says that while Americans have a justifiable desire to feel secure, security should not be gained by destroying civil liberties and standards of due process.
The raids began Wednesday, mainly in Virginia suburbs of Washington. Organized by the Treasury Department and carried out under sealed warrants, the operation is seeking information on the transfer of money to al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.
At a news conference Thursday, a Council of American-Islamic Relations official said many respected individuals and groups are being targeted.
Responding to complaints that officers violated the rights of some of those being investigated, government officials said the operations were carried out properly within the scope of U.S. law.
A Treasury department spokeswoman told VOA the raids were part of an effort to protect donors who may unwittingly be giving money to groups that divert funds to terrorist groups.
