Hate Crime Charges Sought in Attack on San Diego, California, Muslim

Racial slurs allegedly used during assault on Afghan-American taxi driver

CAIR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 5/17/10) --

The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) today called for state and federal hate crime charges to be brought against a man who allegedly used racial slurs during an attack Wednesday on an Afghan-American Muslim taxi driver.

According to CAIR-San Diego, a white man in his 50’s reportedly shouted, “You idiot, you mother f**ker, go back to where you came from,” as the victim was concluding his sunset prayer in a park near Mission Bay Wednesday night. The alleged assailant then followed the victim as he returned to his taxi. When the victim attempted to enter his taxi and put on his seatbelt, the assailant allegedly repeated his slurs, grabbed the victim’s shirt and punched him repeatedly in the right eye and left shoulder. (San Diego Police Case #10-023702)

The alleged assailant was taken into custody by police.

As a result of his injuries, the victim underwent a CAT scan as a precautionary measure.

“Because of the racial slurs reportedly used during this attack, we urge state and national law enforcement authorities to consider bringing hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrator,” said CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida.

He said the victim believes he was attacked because of the recent failed Ties Square car bomb attack.

SEE: Bloomberg's Warning Against Anti-Muslim Bias Hits Home (Wash. Post) Pakistani-Americans Here Fear They Will Be Singled Out (Boston Globe) Attack on Muslim Artwork Called a “Hate Crime”

Yesterday, CAIR questioned the silence of public officials and national media about a bomb attack Monday on a Florida mosque, which the Muslim civil rights organizations can be attributed in part to growing anti-Islam rhetoric in American Society.

SEE: CAIR Questions National Silence on Fla. Mosque Bombing CAIR Asks Conn. GOP to Repudiate Candidate's Anti-Muslim Comments

Hopida urged American Muslim individuals and institutions to review guidelines on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit

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-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida, 619-913-0719 or 858-278-4547,

E-Mail: ehopida@cair.com; 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