Noor family lash out of 'racist' justice system ahead of former policeman's sentencing
The brother of Mohamed Noor has criticised the ‘racist and inequitable’ US justice system, arguing there is a double standard working against the former policeman.
Speaking ahead of his brother’s sentencing for killing Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk, Abass Noor said his brother believed in the sanctity of life and didn’t take his job as a policeman lightly.
Speaking for the first time at a small rally attended by members of the Somali community in Minnesota, he said it was clear race and religion were issues in the case.
Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor is due to be sentenced over Justine Ruszczyk's death. AP/AAP
Noor, 33, faces a maximum 12.5-year prison sentence when he stands before Judge Kathryn Quantance in Minneapolis tomorrow after a jury convicted him in April of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The former US policeman proposed an unusual sentence involving one week stints in a prison workhouse to "honour" her birthday and date of death and also asked for community service.
Abass Noor and his family address the crowd during a rally in Minneapolis. AP/AAP
Noor has suggested in a pre-sentence filing to the judge that he turn himself in to a low-security correctional facility workhouse for a week on the date of Ms Ruszczyk's death and birthday for the duration of his probation.
Abass Noor told the rally that there is a double standing working against his brother due to his religion and race.
Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk was shot dead in July 2017. AAP
He said he remained in awe of his parents' resilience in light of such unequal treatment of their son by a "racist and inequitable justice system."
"My brother, my siblings and I were raised by two devout Muslims who instilled a passion for social service," he told the rally.
"We know full well the sanctity of life. Mohamed knows and believes the sanctity of life."
Somali-American supporters rally in support of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor's sentencing. AP/AAP
He also revealed the devastation his brother felt the night of the shooting.
"Mohamed didn’t take his job as a policeman lightly and when he says his world came crashing down that night, I can tell you it still came down to his feet," he said.
"It is clear there is a double standard working against my brother.
"It is a shame this will be his legacy."
He also said brother is a scapegoat for a system that is unwilling to change.
“There has to be a way forward... it begins with recognising that double standard," he said.
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