The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a guilty plea by the perpetrator of a hate crime targeting a Muslim woman in Bethesda, Maryland last October.
SEE: Muslim woman says she was target of angry tirade in Bethesda
Muslim Woman Targeted by Hateful Tirade in Maryland
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IlAr7BZDK7c
Video Shows Woman Punching Car, Holding Up Middle Finger In Bethesda
“I am incredibly relieved to put this ordeal behind me, even though the incident will forever be etched in my memory,” the victim, who asked her identity not be revealed, told CAIR in a statement. “Hate-based attacks create deep emotional scars, impacting not only individuals but entire communities. I hope the outcome of this case serves as encouragement for fellow Muslims to have zero tolerance for hate based bias and to stand up for their rights within the justice system.”
“We welcome this outcome and applaud this community member’s courage in pursuing justice for herself and her family,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “It should serve as a deterrent for anyone who feels compelled to act on their hate bias. We hope that this verdict inspires more people to report incidents and seek justice.”
Research and anecdotal evidence shows that the majority of American Muslims do not report hate bias incidents, partly due to mistrust in law enforcement or fear of retaliation.
Report an incident: bit.ly/hatebiasform
Background:
On February 2, 2024, 63-year-old Angela Visas pleaded guilty to two counts of racially or religiously targeted crime against a person or group (hate crime), one count of disorderly conduct and one count of malicious destruction of property in exchange for no jail time in a case involving an incident that occurred on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
The victim, who wears a hijab, was in her car at a traffic light at Rockledge Drive and Democracy Boulevard when she reportedly heard a slur and saw a woman flashing her middle finger.
When the victim began recording, Ms. Visas blocked her car and began aggressively banging on the hood and shouting at her. Visas then walked to the passenger side of the vehicle and began pounding forcefully on the window several times while the victim’s baby slept in a car seat.
CAIR’s Maryland office reported 223 complaints, hate bias incidents and requests for assistance between October 9 – December 2, 2023.
SEE: CAIR Releases Updated Number of Complaints, Bias Incidents Reported Against Maryland Muslims, Arabs in Past 8 Weeks
Assistant State’s Attorney Phoebe Varunok of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office, who was assigned to the case, confirmed to CAIR that the sentencing hearing will be scheduled by the court in the near future.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com