The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the filing of hate crime charges against a suburban Chicago man accused of verbally harassing and spitting on a victim while shouting “f*** Iran” in Lombard, Illinois.
“We welcome the decision to pursue hate crime charges in this disturbing incident,” said Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago. “No one should be targeted, harassed, or assaulted because of their perceived ethnicity, religion, or national origin. When bias-motivated attacks occur, it is critical that authorities respond decisively to send a clear message that hate and intimidation will not be tolerated in our communities.”
CAIR-Chicago said the case highlights the importance of reporting hate incidents and ensuring they are properly investigated and prosecuted.
“We encourage anyone who experiences a hate incident to document what happened and seek support,” Haider added. “Holding perpetrators accountable is an important step toward protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring everyone can live without fear.”
Earlier this month, CAIR-Chicago welcomed hate crime and aggravated battery charges filed against a man accused of attacking multiple women in downtown Chicago.
CAIR-Chicago continues to urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate incident to report it to local authorities and to CAIR-Chicago at www.cairchicago.org/report-discrimination.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com