In September and October of this year, CAIR-Philadelphia along with a host of child advocates, prosecutors, judges, faith leaders, mental health professionals and law professors advocated for an execution halt by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court of Terry Williams, a death row inmate.
As stated on a website focusing on Terry’s case, he is deeply remorseful for his actions. Neither we, nor the dozens of human rights organizations that are concerned about Terry’s case justify his behavior or crimes. What we do recognize is that the jury was unaware of Terry’s long history of abuse and trauma, and that the men he killed were his abusers.
Terry suffered years of physical and sexual abuse by older males. His abuse began at the age of six and continued through his teens. It caused him such intense pain and confusion that he turned to engaging in acts of self-mutilation. One of his abusers was a former school teacher.
Seeing Terry’s full humanity and sympathizing with an abused child, CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Director and Staff Attorney, Amara Chaudhry was moved to write a letter in support of clemency to Governor Corbett and the Board of Pardons on September 14th:
As CAIR’s leadership has previously stated, “CAIR believes that Muslims worldwide must offer themselves as personal examples of the Islamic values of compassion, tolerance and moderation.” I also follow the precedent established by my fellow Muslims, both internal and external to CAIR, and other persons of faith.
In the end, CAIR-Philadelphia has offered support of Terry Williams because we feel morally compelled to do so. Terry’s case is outside our typical case priorities, and there is no reason to believe that Terry is a member of the Muslim community. But we were motivated by faith.
