CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Mass. Mosque Arson

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an arson attack on a Massachusetts mosque.

A 33-year-old man appeared in court yesterday for allegedly setting fire to the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester Tuesday night. Joseph Brignola was arraigned on charges of burning a building and injury to a church or synagogue.

SEE: Set Fire Singes Greater Worcester Islamic Society

http://tinyurl.com/3g9vqcd

"Given recent hate incidents targeting American Muslims and their institutions nationwide, it is only prudent to investigate a possible bias motive in this case," said CAIR-CT Executive Director Mongi Dhaouadi. "Appropriate hate crime charges should be considered if a bias motive is indicated."

He noted that in the past year, arsonists have also targeted mosques or mosque construction sites in Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, California, and Michigan. In May of last year, a bomb exploded at a Florida mosque.

Video: Houston Mosque Deliberately Set On Fire (CAIR)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgT-8DOMDvE

CAIR: Fla. Mosque Bombing Suspect Killed in Okla. Shootout

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20110505/pl_usnw/DC96082

Dhaouadi said authorities recently announced that an April 23 fire at a Stockton, Calif., mosque was arson. CAIR's Sacramento Valley chapter is asking that a bias motive for that fire be investigated.

CAIR: Stockton Mosque Fire an Arson, Investigators Say (Sacramento Bee)

http://tinyurl.com/3chtl4x

In March, local and federal law enforcement authorities announced an arrest in the case of a Madera, Calif., mosque that was vandalized last August with a brick and hate signs.

CAIR: Calif. Mosque Vandalized with Hate Signs

http://tinyurl.com/23j8ka8

A number of other hate incidents targeting American Muslims, those perceived to be Muslim and Muslim institutions have occurred in the days since the death of Osama bin laden.

SEE: Tenn. Mosque's 'Adopt A Highway' Sign Vandalized

http://www.wsmv.com/news/28025774/detail.html

Video: Anti-Muslim Note Left on Woman's Car (CAIR-WA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBUU-85wbKg

Video: Florida Mosques Targeted by Hate (CAIR)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0fVr8Qq0c

Video: CAIR Calls La. Mosque Vandalism an Act of Intimidation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvEMtEbZcr4

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization is urging members of the Muslim community to review security procedures using advice contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit

http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx

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:  CAIR-CT Executive Director Mongi Dhaouadi, 860-514-8038, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, or 202-488-8787, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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