CAIR-NJ Condemns Racist Threats Targeting Black Woman in Md., Welcomes Judge’s Ruling for In-Patient Drug Treatment
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 07/20/2022) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned a New Jersey man’s racist epithets and threats targeting a Black woman in Maryland.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced the man, Michael Marotta, 26, of Sewell, NJ, to 30 days of confinement, in-patient drug treatment, and three years of probation.
SEE: N.J. man sentenced for racist, threatening text sent to Black woman in Maryland
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“We are disappointed that someone would send such frightening threats and racist messages. There should be no tolerance for racism of any sort.
“We are also optimistic about the judge’s decision requiring the perpetrator to check in to an in-patient drug rehabilitation program.”
Maksut also emphasized the need to center rehabilitation in response to violence, whether actualized or verbal, that can affect long-term change.
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and white supremacy.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 908-267-3119, smaksut@cair.com
