CAIR Seeks Hate Crime Probe of Arson at Tenn. Mosque Site
Muslim civil rights group says Islamophobia must be addressed by public officials
 
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/28/10) --

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'
Fire at Tenn. Mosque Building Site Ruled Arson
 
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
 
"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
CAIR-MI: Michigan Muslims Step Up Security Procedures
CAIR-OK: Muslims' Eid Festival Falls Close to 9/11 Anniversary
Minn. Man Won't Pay Fines Over Posting Anti-Islamic Fliers
 
 
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, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
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ISLAMOPHOBIA WATCH:

RESIDENTS DEMAND CONSTRUCTION ON MOSQUE BE HALTED -

 TOP By Christian Grantham, Post Contributor, 8/13/10

Several county residents spoke at Thursday night's monthly Rutherford County Commission meeting in opposition to a proposed Islamic Center on Veals Road.

Most demanded construction be halted and stopped short of demanding the buried body of a Muslim on their property be exhumed.

The 52,000-square foot Islamic Center of Murfreesboro was approved earlier this year by the Regional Planning Commission under a new state law that allows religious institutions to build whatever they want in residential neighborhoods as a "use of right."

Residents who spoke want the county commission to reconsider their approval claiming Islam is not a religion and expressing fear that Islamic Sharia law will be imposed on Murfreesboro citizens.

"Look at the history of Islam," Darrel Whaley told those gathered at the Historic Courthouse. "Look at the statements that it's making in all the countries where it rules and reigns and that is the intent right here in Rutherford County in the United States of America."

Like many residents who spoke, Whaley embraced tolerance as he asked the commission to reject the expansion plans of Murfreesboro's Muslim community.

"If you do a little listening to the news about England, Germany and France to see where they have allowed Sharia law to take over, they are suffering for it now and they will have a difficult time getting those people out," Foy Smith warned the audience.

"They want power," Smith added. "That's what Islam is about. They want power over you." (More)

SEE ALSO:

WOMAN THREATENS LAWSUIT UNLESS COMMISSION INVESTIGATES MOSQUE -

TOP WSMV-TV, 8/13/10

It wasn't even on the agenda, but Thursday night's Rutherford County commission meeting led to a hot debate over a proposed mosque. Now, some neighbors are even threatening to sue.

There are obviously two sides to this issue. Some opponents say it's an environmental issue and they are calling for a water and traffic study.

But the question remains, is this about the building or the people who want to worship there? (More)

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