Press conference: Muslim Legal filed a lawsuit against Southwest Ranches, Fla., for violating the First Amendment rights of peaceful anti-war protesters
Southwest Ranches, Fla., April 24, 2025. Muslim Legal, a Tampa-based law firm led by civil rights attorney Hassan Shibly, filed a lawsuit today against the town of Southwest Ranches, Fla., for allegedly violating the First Amendment rights of individuals who peacefully protested the ongoing violence in Gaza.
The lawsuit alleges that town officials unlawfully suppressed constitutionally protected speech and assembly, targeting individuals peacefully exercising their right to protest. Demonstrators advocating for justice and human rights reportedly faced undue restrictions, interference and retaliation, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Press conference details
What: Announcement of Muslim Legal's lawsuit against the Town of Southwest Ranches for violating First Amendment rights
Where: 13400 Griffin Road, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330
When: Thursday, April 24, 2025. 6:30 p.m. press conference, 7:00 p.m. town hall
Speakers: Hassan Shibly, Esq., and Mary Michel, lawsuit plaintiff
Unlawful suppression of free speech and assembly
The lawsuit challenges Southwest Ranches' handling of peaceful protests, alleging that the town used tactics intended to intimidate and silence demonstrators. Muslim Legal contends that these actions violate federal protections and contradict the core principles of democracy, which guarantee every individual the right to express their beliefs without fear of repression.
"The right to peacefully protest is one of the most sacred principles of democracy. When government entities attempt to silence voices advocating for justice, they attack the very foundation of free speech and set a precedent that threatens all Americans. We refuse to let these violations go unchecked. This lawsuit is about more than just one town. It is about protecting democracy, ensuring free speech and defending every person's right to protest injustice."
Hassan Shibly, civil rights attorney and founder of Muslim Legal
Shibly emphasized that the conduct of Southwest Ranches reflects a broader and troubling trend of suppressing dissent, particularly around critical human rights issues. Muslim Legal seeks to hold the town accountable for its unconstitutional actions and to reaffirm that peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, not a privilege subject to arbitrary enforcement.
Call for action and community support
Muslim Legal urges activists, legal advocates and community members to stand in solidarity against these violations of civil liberties.
Muslim Legal is a law firm dedicated to defending civil rights and ensuring that government officials do not exceed their constitutional authority in suppressing peaceful activism.
Media contact
Hassan Shibly, Esq.
Phone: (407) 278-6696
Email: legal@shiblylaw.com