CAIR-WA Welcomes Hate Crime Charges For Anti Muslim Assault

(SEATTLE, WA, 3/25/2022) - The Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) today welcomed hate crime charges brought against two teens suspected of assaulting a 13-year-old Muslim boy in Lynwood.

The charges allege that on November 6 last year, the two teens assaulted the victim for an hour, reportedly dragging the 13-year-old to different locations by his shirt and pants and then continuing the beating. The suspects reportedly made anti-Muslim remarks during the assault, and at one point allegedly forced the victim to prostrate himself, as is done during Islamic prayers. The victim managed to escape his attackers and was reportedly hospitalized with bruises and a concussion.

According to the victim’s father, the two alleged attackers had a history of harassing his son, reportedly calling him a “Muslim terrorist” and “(expletive) Arab” for months prior to the attack. The victim and one of the two suspects are no longer enrolled at school, and both suspects have been charged with a hate crime, second-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment.

SEE: Teens charged with hate crime in Islamophobic attack near Lynnwood

In a statement, CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi said:

"This appalling attack on a 13-year-old boy demonstrates the serious danger posed by anti-Muslim bigotry. In speaking with the family through this process, it is clear just how traumatic these attacks are – not only for the victim, but for their loved ones. Communities in Washington and nationwide must come together to repudiate bigotry and hate."

CAIR also offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a safe learning environment for Muslim students.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, proteger las libertades civiles, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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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