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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Asks Muslims to Report Harassment by Anti-Mosque Protesters

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/12/10) --

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on American Muslims to report any harassment of worshippers attending congregational (Juma'ah) prayers and throughout the month of Ramadan.

[Breaking Update: CAIR's Connecticut office has learned that an anti-Islam protest will take place today at a local mosque. Contact: CAIR-CT Executive Director Mongi Dhaouadi, 860-514-8038, E-Mail MDhaouadi@cair.com]

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CAIR's request is based on recent incidents in which protesters targeted prayers at mosques in California, Connecticut and Virginia. Those incidents occurred as mosque construction or expansion plans nationwide are facing bigoted opposition and follow attacks on mosques in Texas and California.

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It is not yet clear whether the previous incidents were part of a coordinated campaign or a result of the general Islamophobic hysteria generated in recent months by anti-mosque and anti-Islam extremists.

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On September 11, extremist groups plan to hold a rally in New York in opposition to a planned Muslim community center in that city. The keynote speaker at the rally will be anti-Islam extremist Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

Also on September 11, the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., will hold an "International Burn a Koran Day" and is encouraging others to follow the church's example in burning the holy text.

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CAIR urged Muslim community leaders to consult information offered in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group's community alert said in part:

"Special emphasis should be placed on developing a positive working relationship with local law enforcement authorities and government officials who may be contacted if protesters go beyond the constitutionally-protected right to free speech in a public area -- for example, if protesters trespass on mosque property or physically harass worshippers. Muslim community leaders should also reach out to interfaith partners prior to any incident."

CAIR's alert recommended that worshippers not engage in debates with protesters or allow themselves to be provoked by the protesters. It also asked Muslims to pray for "peace, justice and interfaith tolerance."

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.

CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726,

E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171,

E-Mail: arubin@cair.com