(TAMPA, FL, 7/8/2024) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), the state’s largest civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Florida tech entrepreneur, Daniel Linden and the network organization Shirion Collective for their alleged efforts to spread anti-Palestinian propaganda, harass activists and propagate harmful conspiracy theories.
SEE: Revealed: the tech entrepreneur behind a pro-Israel hate network
According to media reports, Shirion has allegedly engaged in a sustained campaign of harassment against pro-Palestinian activists, offering bounties for the identification of protesters and spreading harmful conspiracy narratives.
Linden’s coordination of the group’s efforts on platforms such as X, Telegram, and GoFundMe has facilitated the spread of pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian propaganda, as well as the harassment of pro-Palestinian protesters.
In late 2023, Shirion reportedly began offering “bounties” for the identification of pro-Palestinian protesters, labeling them as antisemites and inciting further harassment. These bounties ranged from $500 for identifying students to $10,000 for identifying politicians. Such actions are not only unethical but dangerous, encouraging vigilantism and endangering the lives of innocent individuals.
Beyond these bounty programs, Shirion has allegedly encouraged Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric, celebrating violence and destruction in Gaza and against pro-Palestinian supporters. They have reportedly glorified the deaths of Palestinians, including journalists and children, and celebrated police violence against protesters and journalists.
SEE: A post depicting a vehicular attack on protesters in Denver, Shirion wrote “LIKE & SHARE to make this more common”.
In a statement, CAIR-FL’s Media and Communications Director Wilfredo Ruiz said:
“There is a natural revulsion experienced by the vast majority of Florida citizens against any individual or organization that promotes hate, racism, islamophobia or antisemitism in our Sunshine State.”
Ruiz added: “The clear message to Mr. Linden’s Shirion Collective and its enablers, as well as to any other hate monger, is that we will expose you and we will denounce you.”
CAIR-FL stands firm in its commitment to countering disinformation, promoting truth, and defending the rights of individuals to express their views without fear of harassment or violence.
About CAIR-Florida
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
//END//
CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749, E: [email protected]