CAIR: Calif. Mosque Fire Ruled Arson

Muslim civil rights group asks for probe of possible bias motive

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today said an April 23 fire at a Stockton, Calif., mosque has been ruled arson. CAIR-SV is asking that a possible bias motive for the fire be investigated.

Law enforcement authorities are offering a $10,000 reward in the case and have released surveillance images from the time of the fire at Masjid Al Emaan.

SEE: Mosque Fire Called Arson; Surveillance Images Released

http://www.kcra.com/r/28024746/detail.html

Video: Stockton Mosque Fire Ruled As Arson

http://tinyurl.com/3f2loba

"We thank law enforcement authorities for their efforts in this case and ask that they investigate a possible bias motive for this act of arson," said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra.

In March, Elkarra took part in a news conference with local and federal law enforcement authorities to announce 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

In the past year, arsonists have also targeted mosques or mosque construction sites in Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, 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

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-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra, 916-289-3748, 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