(BALTIMORE, MD, 4/12/2022) – The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged vandalism of a Maryland Muslim candidate’s campaign signs and urged anyone with information to contact Baltimore County police.
Shazia Shah is a Catonsville resident and candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates. She wears hijab, or the Islamic head scarf, and reported to CAIR that at least two lawn signs placed by her campaign were defaced with images of her cut out. Images of another candidate on the sign, Ilyas Chohen who is campaigning for a seat in the Maryland state senate, were not defaced. Shah also reported receiving a hate call.
Anyone with information about the case should report it to Baltimore County police at 410-887-0872.
“We urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this vandalism and urge members of the public to come forward with any information that could help bring the perpetrators to justice,” said CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “It is important to have diverse representation of our elected officials and CAIR’s role is to help communities in safeguarding against discrimination and encouraging civic engagement at all levels.”
NOTE: As a nonpartisan tax-exempt organization, CAIR encourages American Muslims to participate in national and state elections. CAIR does not support one candidate or political party over another.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062