CAIR-Texas Asks that Bail Be Revoked for Anti-Muslim Threats

HOUSTON, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today urged that bail granted to a man who allegedly committed hate crimes at several convenience stores in that state be revoked.

Police arrested 32-year-old Carlos Marroquin after a store clerk reported a man using racial slurs and making terroristic threats. The suspect reportedly threatened to kill the worker and burn down the store because the clerk was a "Muslim." Marroquin allegedly went to three other stores and made similar threats. None of the store clerks are actually Muslim. Marroquin was granted bail on Tuesday and he will appear in court on April 8.

Video: Authorities Investigate Hate Crimes at Convenience Stores
http://tinyurl.com/d44wpzn

"We believe incidents of this type are symptomatic of a rising level of anti-Muslim sentiment in American society, which we believe is fueled by a growing number of Islamophobic groups and individuals," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter. "We ask that the alleged perpetrator's bond be revoked and ask that state and federal law enforcement authorities consider hate crime charges in the case."

Carroll noted that law enforcement authorities stepped up protection for Muslims taking part in "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" at the state Capitol in Austin following apparent threats made on a notorious anti-Islam hate blog.

CAIR-Texas contacted law enforcement authorities after learning of apparent threats by commenters on the virulently anti-Islam hate site "Bare Naked Islam."

CAIR: Security Boosted for Texas Muslim Event Following Online Threats
http://tinyurl.com/cg34cfp

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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations