PHOENIX MUSLIM ASSAULTED BY TEENS SHOUTING RELIGIOUS SLURS

Islamic civil rights group seeks FBI hate crime investigation

(PHOENIX, AZ, 10/8/05) - The Arizona office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today called on local and national law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an attack on a Phoenix Muslim by teenagers shouting religious slurs.

CAIR-AZ says the attack on an elderly Muslim of Somali heritage wearing Islamic attire took place late Thursday after he left Ramadan "taraweeh" prayers that are held each night during the month-long fast.

According to the victim, the attackers shouted "f**king Muslim" just prior to the assault. They were later apprehended and reportedly given citations for misdemeanor assault. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of a broken arm.

"Given the circumstances of the attack, a possible bias motive should be considered and investigated thoroughly," said CAIR-AZ Communications Director Nure Elatari. "People of all faiths should feel secure when visiting a house of worship." She urged the FBI to add its resources to those of local authorities investigating the incident.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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.

To read CAIR's Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About

CONTACT: CAIR-AZ Communications Director Nure Elatari, 602-312-2223; Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair-net.org; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org