(Seattle, WA, 11/18/2017) — The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Washington) today condemned anti-Muslim harassment at the Islamic Center of Federal Way and has partnered with the mosque and Cedar Law to take legal action.
According to reports, Anti-Muslim hecklers have repeatedly stood outside the mosque during Friday prayers wearing "Make America Great Again" hats, blocking traffic, coming onto the mosque property, leaning into cars, invading the personal space of worshipers, threatening them with deportation, and shouting anti-Muslim slurs at them as they enter the building.
"Members feel unsafe and threatened while coming to worship," said one board member, "The impact has been a genuine sense of fear."
Yesterday one such heckler physically assaulted an interfaith activist who attempted to support those attending prayers. Kent police were called and an incident report was taken.
"This is a a sad situation," said Jasmin Samy, Civil Right Director at CAIR-WA , "We are all invested in taking the necessary legal steps to ensure the safety of our community and end this intimidation and harassment of families seeking to practice their faith."
The civil rights organization has partnered with Cedar Law to file harassment charges against the men.
"There is a line between lawful protesting and harassment," said Chris Williams of Cedar Law, "The restraint shown by the people attending the mosque against this bullying has been phenomenal. We expect the police and courts to help maintain the peace in spite of the protesters' clear desire to disturb it."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, protegerlas libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Stuteville, Media & Outreach Director for CAIR-WA,
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