FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: Anti-Muslim Slurs Used in Attack on Oregon Muslim Inmate
FBI urged to investigate bias motive, possible link to Portland sting

(SEATTLE, WA, 12/1/10) -- The Washington State chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) today called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for an attack on a Muslim inmate in Oregon, which reportedly included the use of anti-Muslim slurs by the alleged assailant.

CAIR-WA also asked the FBI and state law enforcement authorities to determine whether the assault on the inmate in a Portland jail was prompted by a recent FBI sting operationin which a Muslim teen was arrested in that city. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is investigating the assault as a possible hate crime. Portland is the county seat.

SEE: County Probes Jail Assault as Possible Anti-Muslim Hate Crime

"While the Muslim community has repeatedly condemned any and all actions that would threaten our nation's safety and security, American Muslims continue to experience backlash from events like the Portland sting operation," said CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari. "Unfortunately, it appears that the sting has resulted in further stigmatization of the American Muslim community."

CAIR: Stings May Strain Relationship Between FBI and Muslims

• CAIR Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

"We urge public officials to speak out against the growing anti-Muslim sentiment that is being promoted by a vocal minority in our society," added Bukhari.

Anti-Muslim Hate Promoted in New Mexico

• Oklahoma's Anti-Shariah Law Proves We are Scared Stupid

The FBI is currently investigating another incident in which Idaho prison guards may have violated the civil rights of a Muslim inmate beaten into a coma last January.

SEE: Muslim Prisoner Beaten Into a coma in Idaho Jail

Last weekend, CAIR-WA called for stepped-up protection for the region’s Muslim community after an intentionally-set fire damaged a mosque in Oregon. The FBI has offered a reward for information in the case.

Police: Islamic Center Fire Caused by Liquid

On Monday, CAIR's Sacramento Valley chapter called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for an attack on a Sikh taxi driver who was attacked after apparently being mistaken for a Muslim.

CAIR: Sacramento Cabbie Attack Spurs Civil Rights Group Action

Other recent anti-Muslim incidents include 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.

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.

American Muslim individuals and institutions are being urged to review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: 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.