The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Middlesex District Attorney’s decision to bring a hate crime and other charges against Matthew Freeman, who allegedly threatened pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide protesters with an axe as he drove through Harvard Square on August 10.
CAIR-MA represents Fawaz Abusharkh, who was allegedly struck by Freeman’s car door when he reportedly opened it to menace protesters with his axe.
Freeman was arraigned yesterday in Cambridge District Court on three counts:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon (the axe);
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (the car door) on a person over 60;
- Civil rights violation: using the threat of force to interfere with protected rights.
CAIR-MA Legal Director Barbara J. Dougan said:
“This terrifying incident was initially investigated as an assault – which it certainly was. However, on behalf of Mr. Abusharkh, we urged the police and prosecutors to recognize it as a hate crime, as well. Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to use the threat of force to intimidate and interfere with the protected rights of others. We are pleased that the Middlesex County District Attorney recognized this violent incident for what it was and charged Freeman accordingly. The protesters in Harvard Square were doing what Americans across the country are doing: exercising their constitutional right to demand an end to the U.S. financed genocide in Gaza.”
Fawaz Abusharkh, a Palestinian man who was born in Gaza, said:
“I have been involved in hundreds of demonstrations over the years, calling for Palestinian human rights and freedom in their own state, but I have never seen anything like this. This man’s rage was off the charts. When he stopped his car and waved an axe at us, threatening to kill us, I truly feared that he would hurt someone. This kind of dangerous behavior needs to be taken very seriously.”
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
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-MA Legal Director, Barbara J. Dougan, (781) 281-99922 or bdougan@cair.com.