FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Welcomes Sentencing of Times Square Bomb Plotter
Bomber's 'perverted' religious views rejected by American Muslims

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/5/10) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed the life sentence given to Faisal Shahzad, who pleaded guilty to a failed car bomb attack on Times Square.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also rejected the "perverted" religious views expressed by Shahzad at his sentencing.

SEE: Life in Prison for Would-Be Times Square Bomber

In a statement released following Shahzad's sentencing today, CAIR said:

"We welcome the stiff punishment handed out to a person who seems to have no remorse for his planned attempt to kill and injure as many innocent people as possible. His stated desire for an unending interreligious conflict is utterly rejected by American Muslims. There is no justification or excuse in Islam for harming the innocent. Faisal Shahzad's perverted views are contrary to our faith and its teachings."

CAIR noted that an American Muslim was one of those who helped thwart Shahzad's attempted bombing.

Following the failed bomb attack in May of this year, CAIR National Executive DirectorNihad Awad said in part:

"On behalf of the American Muslim community, we condemn the attack in Times Square and thank all those who reported their suspicions, disarmed the bomb or are participating in the current investigation. We welcome the arrest of a suspect and hope that anyone involved in the attack will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

"American Muslims repudiate all acts of terrorism and will continue to work with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to keep our nation safe and secure."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail:alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper,202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com