CAIR-MN Calls for Hate Crime Charges After Pig's Foot Thrown at Minnesota Somalis
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 8/15/2017)
-- The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today asked that hate crime charges be brought against a man who allegedly shouted anti-Muslim slurs before throwing a pig's foot at a group of Muslims.
[NOTE: Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork products and bigots often use pigs or pork to offend Muslim sensibilities.]
Police and community members say a person was charged with disorderly conduct after he reportedly cursed Islam's Prophet Muhammad and threw a pig's foot at a group of Somalis-Americans selling goods at a Willmar, Minn., farmer's market.
SEE: Harassment Incident
"If you curse a person's faith and then throw an object clearly designed to offend and intimidate, you should be charged with a hate crime," said CAIR-MN Civil Rights Director Amir Malik.
Earlier this month, CAIR-MN offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who reportedly bombed a mosque in that state.
Video: CAIR Sees Spike in Hate Messages Following Minnesota Mosque Bombing
CAIR-MN also recently called on law enforcement authorities, including the FBI, to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting the Muslim Cemetery Al Magfirah in Castle Rock Township.
Earlier today, CAIR's Washington, D.C., headquarters offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Muslims before assaulting a man who he reportedly heard speaking Arabic with his wife.
SEE: CAIR Offers Reward for Info on Anti-Muslim Assault Targeting Arabic-Speaking Couple in Maryland
CAIR has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election. A recent CAIR update on anti-Muslim incidents in the second quarter (April-June) of 2017 indicated that the number of hate crimes in the first half of 2017 spiked 91 percent compared to the same period in 2016
SEE: CAIR Report Shows 2017 on Track to Becoming One of Worst Years Ever for Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization recently released a report showing a 57 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents in 2016 over the previous year. This spike in anti-Muslim incidents was accompanied by a 44 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes during the same period.
SEE: New CAIR Report Shows More than 50 Percent Spike in Anti-Muslim Incidents
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: Anti-Muslim Bias Incidents 2017 Quarter One Update
In response to the spike in hate crimes, CAIR launched an app to share critical "know your rights" information and to simplify the process to report hate crimes and bias incidents. CAIR is urging American Muslims and members of other minority groups to download the app and utilize this resource to stay informed and empowered.
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.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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