(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/18/21) – The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) today condemned an allegedly bias-motivated attack on an 81-year-old Asian man out for a morning walk on Friday.
Mark Sonouvong was reportedly asked “are you Chinese or Vietnamese?” by the alleged assailant before he was knocked down and beaten. Sonouvong is recovering in the hospital.
SEE: SDPD investigating hate crime after 81-year-old Asian man was attacked
In a statement, CAIR San Diego Associate Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said:
“This type of apparently bias-motivated violence is a direct result of the rising level of racist rhetoric we are witnessing nationwide. The San Diego Asian community has witnessed many such attacks in recent times. CAIR-San Diego demands that law enforcement authorities seek out and punish the perpetrator to the full extent of the law. We strongly urge community leaders and policymakers from across the political spectrum to stand up and take a firm stance against hatred and bigotry. “
Nizam noted that CAIR has repeatedly spoken out against anti-Asian hate across the country and sends healing prayers to Sonouvong and his family.
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She said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Formal Suspension of Louisiana Judge Over Racist Video
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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-SD Operations & Development Manager Omair Khan, 760-201-7626 or okhan@cair.com