The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today marked the 10th anniversary of the hate crime murders of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
On February 10, 2015, Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were murdered in their home by their anti-Muslim neighbor, Craig Hicks, in a horrific hate crime that authorities initially falsely labeled a parking dispute. The perpetrator was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and eventually sentenced to life in prison.
Their family founded the Our Three Winners Foundation in their memory.
SEE: Our Three Winners
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Ten years ago, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha were murdered in their home in a cowardly anti-Muslim hate crime. In many ways, these three young American Muslims represented the best of our faith, our community, and our nation. Today, their legacy of compassion and service lives on through their families, their friends and the excellent work of the Our Three Winners foundation.
“Sadly, hate crimes haven’t stopped. Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate, and violence against various communities are on the rise. We must continue to demand justice for victims of hate. We must continue to protect our communities and our neighbors. We must continue working to transform anti-Muslim bigotry from a mortal threat to a passing nuisance.
“And we must honor Deah, Yusor, and Razan by remembering them in our prayers and carrying on their legacy of service. To Allah we belong, and to Allah we return.”
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com