May 18, 2012

MPAC sends it congratulations today to Halim Dhanidina, the first Muslim judge to be appointed in the state of California to the superior cour. In a press release earlier today, the office of Gov. Jerry Brown announced that eight judges, including Dhanidina, have been appointed to judgeships in the state’s superior court. 

SEE: “Governor Brown Appoints Eight to Los Angeles County Superior Court” (Governor’s office)

“Dhanidina’s appointment is an important step in ensuring California leaders accurately reflect the communities present in our great state,” said Aziza Hasan, MPAC’s Southern California Government Relations Director. “This news will benefit the community at large and serve as an important marker for Gov. Brown, who will be known as the first governor to appoint a Muslim American as a judge in the state of California.”

For more than a year, MPAC has advocated for Dhanidina’s appointment to the Superior Court as he has an outstanding record, which includes high-level prosecutions of gang units. Dhanidina has served as a deputy district attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office since 1998. Over the past several years, Dhanidina has prosecuted more than two dozen murder cases, including six capital cases.

"I am grateful to MPAC for supporting me during this process. I also thank Gov. Brown for the opportunity to contribute to the pursuit of justice as a Muslim and as an American,” Dhanidina said. “Above all, I am thankful to God for this achievement. As a judge, I hope to show the Muslim American community that there is a place for us to participate in all aspects of civil society. I also hope to show members of society at large that people of all backgrounds can serve the public with honor and integrity.”