(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., 12/20/16) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today joined Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in calling for United States Attorney Paul Fishman to investigate an assault on a female Muslim Municipal employee as a hate crime.
On December 5, an African-American female Muslim Newark municipal employee was allegedly ridiculed and assaulted by a white male New Jersey State employee at the Newark One Stop Center at 990 Broad Street. Her hijab was reportedly pulled off her head and thrown to the floor. The Newark Police Department arrested the perpetrator.
In a press release issued today, Mayor Ras Baraka called on US Attorney Paul Fishman to investigate the incident as a hate crime.
SEE: Mayor Ras J. Baraka Says Assault of Muslim Newark Employee Was a Hate Crime
“Unfortunately hateful acts of violence such as those allegedly carried out by the New Jersey state employee are becoming all too common,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues. “Unlawful, bigoted acts cannot be tolerated and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In a civil society such as ours, the rights of all citizens to observe their faith without fear for their safety and security must be vigorously protected.”
Tomorrow, CAIR’s Missouri chapter will hold a news conference to call on law enforcement authorities to investigate a home arson targeting a Bosnian Muslim family as a possible hate crime.
SEE: CAIR-Missouri to Ask Authorities to Probe Arson at Home of Muslim Family as Possible Hate Crime
Yesterday, CAIR’s New York chapter welcomed the sentencing of a man who plotted to kill Muslims in that state and the arrest of another man who allegedly assaulted a Muslim woman, calling her a “terrorist.”
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Sentencing of White Supremacist in Anti-Muslim Plot, Arrest of Man Who Assaulted Muslim Woman
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide since the election of Donald Trump.
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.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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