Muslim civil rights group says Islamophobia must be addressed by public officials

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) tonight called for a hate crime investigation of arson at the future site of a Tennessee mosque and said public officials and opinion leaders must address the issue of growing anti-Islam hate in American society.

CAIR said equipment at the construction site of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was set on fire overnight. It appeared that gasoline had been poured on several pieces of equipment at the site and that the arsonist was frightened off before more damage could be done. The FBI and ATF are investigating the incident.

SEE: Arson at Future Islamic Center Site 'Takes it to a Whole New Level'

http://tinyurl.com/2btnynt

Fire at Tenn. Mosque Building Site Ruled Arson

http://tinyurl.com/247cyl7

In June, someone broke the sign at the future site of the center. Previously, the words "Not Welcome" were spray-painted on the sign.

SEE: CAIR Seeks Hate Crime Probe of New Vandalism at Tenn. Mosque Site

http://tinyurl.com/2byplqx

"Public officials and other opinion leaders in our society must address the growing level of anti-Islam hate," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "American Muslims should be reassured that their government will protect them from those who spread fear and use the tactics of intimidation."

He said CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit

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

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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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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