(PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/6/2022) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed hate crime charges against a man suspected of vandalizing a mural in Highland Park, N.J., depicting a Muslim woman wearing an Islamic head scarf, or hijab.
The suspect, a 54-year-old Highland Park native, has been charged with fourth-degree bias intimidation and criminal mischief for allegedly spray painting over the portion of the mural depicting a Muslim woman wearing an Islamic head scarf. The vandalism reportedly occurred on April 29.
SEE: Highland Park, NJ man charged with hate crime in mural vandalism
https://nj1015.com/highland-park-nj-arrest-mural-vandalism-hate-crime-bias-charge/
“We thank law enforcement authorities for their swift action in this case,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “The residents of Highland Park have demonstrated clearly that they will not tolerate anti-Muslim bigotry and hate in their community.”
Maksut noted that CAIR-NJ condemned the vandalism after it occurred last month.
SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Graffiti Defacing Highland Park Mural of Muslim Woman, Welcomes Swift Police Investigation
He also noted that CAIR recently issued a civil rights report showing the highest ever number of reported Muslim civil rights complaints.
SEE: Complaints of Anti-Muslim Incidents, Bias on the Rise in New Jersey
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-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 908-267-3119, smaksut@cair.com