Media Digest: CAIR-Chicago Seeks Hate Crime Charge
CAIR-Chicago leveraged media in the wake of a brutal attack against a Sikh man, during which the attacker yelled “terrorist” and “Bin laden."
Chicago Tribune: Sikh man who was attacked in Darien returns home from hospital
The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and several other national civil rights organizations released a statement Thursday joining the Sikh Coalition in calling for a hate crime investigation and charges.
CBS2: Teen May Face Hate Crime Charges In Attack On Sikh Man
“It is in fact an attack against America. We call on authorities to charge this regrettable incident as a hate crime. We vow to redouble our efforts to challenge the hate and misperception that continue to make such senseless acts possible,” said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The Tribune India: Widespread condemnation for hate crime against US Sikh
Several organisations and individuals have strongly condemned the brutal assault on an elderly Sikh man in Chicago, calling for hate crime charges to be brought against the perpetrator.
Forex Report Daily: Sikh-Man called “Bin Laden” “Terrorist”, brutally assaulted in US
“We vow to redouble our efforts to challenge the hate and misperception, that continue to make such senseless acts possible”, said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
On Thursday, September 10, CAIR-Chicago issued the following press release:
CAIR-Chicago, Civil Rights Organizations Seek Hate Crime Charges for Attack on Sikh American Called ‘Terrorist,’ ‘Bin Laden’
– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
(CHICAGO, IL, 9/10/15) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today called for hate crime charges to be brought against the alleged perpetrator of an attack on a Sikh American man in Darien, Ill., who was reportedly called a “terrorist” and “Bin laden” during the assault.
Inderjit Singh Mukker, 53, was on his way to the grocery store in Darien, a Chicago suburb, Tuesday night when the driver of another vehicle allegedly got out, reached into Mukker’s car and punched him repeatedly in the face. Mukker was taken to the hospital and treated for a fractured cheekbone, lacerations and other injuries.
Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. The Sikh Coalition, CAIR-Chicago, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), South Asian American Research and Policy Institute (SAAPRI), Arab American Action Network (AAAN), Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago, and Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights are requesting a full hate crime investigation by the police and the FBI and for hate crime charges to be brought.
SEE: ‘Terrorist, Go Back to Your Country,’ Attacker Yelled in Assault of Sikh Man (Wash. Post)
PRESS RELEASE: Chicago Sikh American Assaulted in Hate Crime Last Night
"This heinous and brutal attack against Mr. Mukker for no other reason than his religious appearance is not only a violation of his human sanctity or that of the Sikh community, but that of all Americans and every person of conscience. It is in fact an attack against America. We call on authorities to charge this regrettable incident as a hate crime. We vow to redouble our efforts to challenge the hate and misperception that continue to make such senseless acts possible," said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab.
"Every individual should be able to practice their religion without fear of intolerance or violence. Attacks like these send a message of hate to an entire community, and should be taken seriously by not just law enforcement but the broader American community. As Americans, we need to work harder to build bridges and to find our common humanity," said Sapreet Kaur, Sikh Coalition Executive Director
CAIR has repeatedly condemned attacks on and discrimination against American Sikhs.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Brutal Attack on Elderly California Sikh
Video: CAIR Stands with Sikhs After Hate Vandalism of Calif. Temple
CAIR: WA Man Who Beat Sikh Taxi Driver in 'Savage' Anti-Muslim Attack to Be Sentenced
CAIR Defends Muslim, Sikhs Turned Away from Amusement Park Ride
CAIR and the Muslim community have also expressed solidarity with Jewish, Christian and Sikh communities in New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, and California following acts of violence, vandalism, arson or bombings.
CAIR-SFBA: Bay Area Muslims Organizations Stand with African-American Church Targeted with Racist Graffiti
CAIR is the nation'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.
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