Malik Muhammad, a disabled Army veteran with PTSD, has become the face of the harsh realities faced by protesters during the George Floyd protests. Despite serving his country with honor and courage, Muhammad has been handed down the harshest federal sentence for his participation in the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
Muhammad’s story is a tragic one, but unfortunately, it is not a rare one. Since the murder of George Floyd by a police officer, protests have erupted across the country, demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism. These protests have been met with brutal force by law enforcement, resulting in numerous arrests and harsh sentences for those who dare to stand up for justice.
But Muhammad’s case is particularly heartbreaking. As an Army veteran, he dedicated his life to serving his country and protecting its citizens. However, an injury during his service left him disabled and struggling with PTSD. Despite his struggles, he remained determined to use his voice and his platform to fight against the injustices faced by the Black community.
During the protests, Muhammad found himself in Portland, Oregon, where he joined fellow protesters in speaking out against police brutality. However, instead of receiving support and recognition for his bravery, he was met with violence and aggression from law enforcement. He was arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
While awaiting trial, Muhammad was placed in solitary confinement, a practice that has been widely condemned for its detrimental effects on mental health. In fact, the state of Oregon has even passed a law limiting solitary confinement to a maximum of 90 days. Yet, Muhammad has been in the hole for 250 days and counting.
This is a clear violation of Muhammad’s rights and a blatant disregard for his well-being. Solitary confinement is known to exacerbate mental health issues, especially for someone like Muhammad who already suffers from PTSD. It is a cruel and inhumane punishment, and it is time for it to be abolished.
Despite his challenging circumstances, Muhammad has remained steadfast in his fight for justice. He has refused to plead guilty to a crime he did not commit and has maintained his innocence. His case has shed light on the unfair treatment of protesters and the need for criminal justice reform in this country.
Fortunately, there are organizations and individuals fighting on Muhammad’s behalf. The Black Lives Matter movement, along with other activist groups, have been advocating for his release and have raised awareness about his situation. The ACLU has also filed a lawsuit on Muhammad’s behalf, arguing that his prolonged solitary confinement is unconstitutional.
But Muhammad’s story is not just about one man’s struggle. It is a reflection of the larger issues at play in our criminal justice system. It highlights the disproportionate and harsh treatment of people of color, particularly Black individuals. It also sheds light on the need for mental health support for veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country.
It is time for us to demand change. We cannot continue to allow our justice system to punish those who speak out against injustice. We must call for an end to solitary confinement and for fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their race.
Malik Muhammad is a hero, not a criminal. He has bravely fought for the rights of his community, and it is time for us to fight for him. As we continue to demand justice for George Floyd and all victims of police brutality, let us not forget about the injustices faced by those who stand with them.
We must stand in solidarity with Malik Muhammad and all those who have been unfairly treated by our justice system. We must demand that his rights be respected and that he be released from solitary confinement immediately. We must use our voices and our platforms to amplify his story and call for real change.
Let us not let Malik Muhammad’s sacrifice be in vain. Let his story be a reminder that we still have a long way to go in the fight against injustice, but we will not back down. We will continue to speak out and demand that our country lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.
