CAIR-Columbus to Seek Hate Crime Probe, Arrest of Suspect Following Beating of Ohio Muslim Woman

COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Later today, the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Columbus) will hold a news conference to call on law enforcement authorities to investigate an attack yesterday on a Muslim woman in that city as a possible hate crime and to urge police to arrest the alleged assailant.

The woman, who reportedly intervened to protect another Muslim woman from harassment by the alleged attacker – a white male - was beaten unconscious, resulting in facial fractures and the loss of several teeth. According to the victim, the alleged attacker reportedly screamed "you all will be shipped back to Africa" prior to beating. CAIR-Columbus is her legal representative in the case.

According to witnesses, the alleged attacker was interviewed by police, but released without charge. He had reportedly made racist statements to neighbors in the recent past.

WHAT: CAIR-Columbus News Conference to Call for Hate Crime Probe of Attack on Muslim Woman

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 4 p.m.

WHERE: Outside Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Romin Iqbal, 614-783-7953, [email protected]; CAIR-Columbus Executive Director Jennifer Nimer, 614-946-9675, [email protected]

A third party has set up a fundraising page to assist in the victim's medical expenses.

GO TO: https://www.launchgood.com/project/stand_with_sister_rahma#/

CAIR's national headquarters in Washington, D.C., has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election.

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

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.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR's Email List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Romin Iqbal, 614-783-7953, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com