CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Another Texas Mosque Vandalism
HOUSTON, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today called on local and national law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for another act of vandalism targeting a mosque in that state.
CAIR said an official with the Victoria Islamic Center in Victoria, Texas, discovered graffiti on the front right side of the building early Wednesday. The letter "H" and the number "8," shorthand for "hate," were spray-painted on the wall.
SEE: Islamic Center Vandalized (Video)
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2013/jul/10/ramadan_jp_071113_214371/?features
"Due to the nature of the graffiti and past incidents in Texas and nationwide targeting mosques, we urge law enforcement authorities to determine whether the perpetrator was motivated by anti-Muslim bias," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter.
Carroll said his group, a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, made a similar call for hate crime investigations after some two dozen paintballs were fired at a another Texas mosque last month.
Video: CAIR Rep Says Texas Mosque Vandalism Should Not Be Taken Lightly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyqXljYkpOM
Also in June, CAIR's New Jersey chapter sought a hate crime investigation of vandalism targeting a mosque in that state.
CAIR-NJ (Video): Vandalized Islamic Center Thanks Public and Police
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20130709/NJNEWS/307090038/Morris-County-Islamic-Center-thanks-public-police
Vandals recently targeted other mosques in Minnesota and Georgia.
Video: CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Minnesota Mosque Vandalism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awipdvm_pQQ
Video: CAIR Says Ga. Mosque Vandalism May Be Tied to London Incident
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVZGJDgpaO0
Video: CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Georgia Mosque Vandalism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNWYluib7As
In May, CAIR began distributing new safety and security guidelines to mosques and other Islamic institutions nationwide.
The new CAIR publication, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," was produced in response to recent bias attacks, including a series of incidents last year targeting American Muslim institutions.
Community leaders may request a free copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," by going to: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html
SEE: CAIR Distributes New Mosque Safety Guidelines
http://tinyurl.com/p6678ok
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.
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CONTACT: Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter, 832-549-1042, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain, 210-378-9528, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR-DFW President Amina Rab, 469-554-0786, 469-774-5215, E-Mail [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations
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