CAIR, February 22, 2010

On Monday, February 22, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will hold a news conference at its Capitol Hill headquarters to express concerns over what the civil rights group says is a double standard on the use of the label "terrorism" as it relates to acts of violence committed by people who are not Muslims.

WHAT: CAIR News Conference to Challenge Double Standard on "Terrorism"

WHEN: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11 a.m.

WHERE: CAIR's Capitol Hill Headquarters, 453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, CAIR called the politically-motivated airborne suicide attack on an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office in Austin, Texas, an act of "terror," while many media outlets, law enforcement agencies and government officials were reluctant to use the term.

SEE: Muslim Group Wants Government to Call Plane Attack Terrorism (The Hill)

"The position of many individuals and institutions seems to be that no act of violence can be labeled 'terrorism' unless it is carried out by a Muslim," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "The attack on the IRS office in Texas perfectly fits the legal definition of terrorism, yet it is not being labeled as such. This apparent double standard only serves to render the term meaningless."

SEE: Terrorism: The Most Meaningless and Manipulated Word (Salon.com) Austin Plane Crash: Criminal Act or Domestic Terrorism? (Fox)

Section 2656f(d) of Title 22 of the United States Code defines the term "terrorism" as "premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets."

The Code of Federal Regulations defines terrorism as a crime that involves "the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." (Title 28 CFR § 0.85)

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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CAIR: Attack on Texas IRS Office an Act of Terror Muslim civil rights group condemns all politically-motivated violence

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/18/10) -

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) tonight called the apparent airborne suicide attack on an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office in Austin, Texas, an act of terror.

Before taking off in the light plane that he allegedly used to attack the IRS office, Joseph A. Stack reportedly set fire to his own home and posted an anti-government screed on the Internet that was signed "Joe Stack (1956-2010)." At least 13 people were injured in the attack. Two of the victims are reported in critical condition. Stack is presumed dead.

Whenever an individual or group attacks civilians in order to make a political statement, that is an act of terror, said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of the faith, race or ethnicity of the perpetrator or the victims. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

SEE: Joseph Stack and Right-Wing Terror: Isolated Incidents or Worrying Trend? (Newsweek)

He said the USA PATRIOT Act defines terrorism as any action intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping, and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the U.S."

Awad noted that if a Muslim had carried out the IRS attack, it would have surely been labeled an act of terrorism.

To read about CAIR's past anti-terror initiatives, go to: http://www.cair.com/AmericanMuslims/AntiTerrorism.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 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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