CAIR Asks That Bias Assault on NY Imam Be Prosecuted as Hate Crime
Muslim religious leader called 'camel jockey,' 'terrorist' during attack

(NEW YORK, NY, 12/9/10) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the Manhattan District Attorney's office to prosecute an alleged bias-motivated attack on an imam, or Muslim religious leader, as a hate crime.

The incident began on the A-train early yesterday morning near Canal Street. One of two suspects arrested allegedly used racial and religious slurs, including calling the imam a "camel jockey" and shouting, "F*ck all you Muslims. All of you are terrorists," during the verbal and physical assault.

CAIR-NY has been in touch with the victim and the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force and will continue to monitor the case. The police task force has called for hate crime charges in the case.

Other recent anti-Muslim incidents nationwide include an arson attack on an Oregon mosque, a bias attack on an Oregon Muslim inmate, the beating of a California Sikh mistaken for a Muslim, a bias attack on Muslim women in Seattle, a racist attack on worshipers at a Canadian mosque, an attack on a New York Muslim mother and child, the arrest of New York teens who allegedly harassed a Muslim student because of his faith, and the defacement of a South Carolina mosque.

SEE ALSO: Colo. Road-Rage Incident Leads to Hate-Crime Arrest

Legislatures in a number of states are considering laws banning reference to Islamic principles in courts similar to an Oklahoma constitutional amendment recently blocked by a federal judge in that state.

SEE: More States Enter Debate on Sharia Law (USA Today)
Sharia Law Not an Issue in Indiana -- or Any Other States

Mosques in California, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arizona, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, and Florida have faced vocal opposition or have been similarly targeted by hate incidents in recent months.

CAIR's national office recently announced the launch of a department devoted to addressing the alarming rise of Islamophobic sentiment in American society.

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organizations is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

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.