The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) joins thousands of fellow citizens in expressing their dismay at the 21-month federal prison sentence given to Muhammad Salah, 54, for being convicted of a minor charge of lying on a pre-trial questionnaire in a civil lawsuit. He was also fined $25,000 by U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

A Chicago medical van driver accused by the government of providing money to Hamas terrorists was sentenced Wednesday to 21 months in federal prison for lying under oath in a civil lawsuit.

In a case that riveted Chicago’s Muslim community, a Bridgeview businessman accused of aiding terrorists was sentenced Wednesday to 21 months in prison for lying in a civil lawsuit.

Moments after learning that Muhammad Salah was cleared Thursday afternoon of federal charges of helping to fund terrorism, Abubakr Meah rushed out of the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview grinning and waving a thumbs-up to a passing vehicle.

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) as a member of the Coalition to Protect People’s Rights, an alliance of over 20 organizations and individuals united to protect citizens from civil liberties and human rights abuses, is announcing a press conference in response to the Salah / Ashqar verdict today.

For many years now, Mr. Muhammad Salah lived life in the infamy of being labeled as the only designated US terrorist. He suffered the repercussions of this judgment, long before he could face an open and fair trial in a US Court of law. His assets were frozen, and his life shattered. His family carried the burden of this label to their schools, workplaces, and to the local supermarket.

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) as a member of the Coalition to Protect People’s Rights, an alliance of over 20 organizations and individuals united to protect citizens from civil liberties and human rights abuses, is announcing a press conference in response to the anticipated Salah / Ashqar verdict 30 minutes after the verdict is read.

CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Coordinator Christina Abraham spoke on Radio Islam regarding the trial of Muhammad Salah. Abraham discussed the various constitutional issues surrounding the case and its impact on civil liberties. To hear the radio interview, click here: www.radioislam.com. copyright © 2006, cairchicago.org

The U.S. Says Muhammad Salah Was Financing Middle East Terrorism. Salah Says He Was Bringing Money To Stricken Families. Next Month, A Jury Will Begin Deciding Who’s Right.

CAIR-Chicago was present for a Public Truth Hearing on behalf of Muhammad Salah, the Bridgeview man being indicted based on confessions he signed while under torture by the Israeli army approximately 10 years ago.