CAIR Connecticut Seeks Protection for Muslim Worshippers from  Intimidation by Anti-Islam Protesters

(HARTFORD, CT, 8/7/2010) --

The Connecticut office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today called on public officials and law enforcement agencies in that state to protect the right of Muslims to worship without intimidation by anti-Islam protesters.

The Connecticut Post reported that right-wing protesters carrying signs and shouting "Islam is a lie" angrily confronted worshippers outside a Bridgeport mosque on Friday. Worshippers arriving at the Masjid An-Noor mosque were harassed by protesters shouting "Jesus hates Muslims." One protester reportedly shoved a hate sign at a group of young children leaving the mosque.

SEE: Angry Protesters Descend on Conn. Mosque

A number of other mosques nationwide have been targeted either by anti-Muslim protests or by hate crimes. CAIR is concerned that more anti-mosque incidents will occur during the upcoming Islamic fast of Ramadan.

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On September 11, a Fla. Church plans to burn a copy of the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and extremist anti-Islam Dutch politician Geert Wilders will address an anti-mosque rally in New York City.

SEE: Wilders to Join Ground Zero Mosque Protest

"Our state's leaders must repudiate those who target houses of worship and should offer protection to Muslims who seek to exercise their constitutional right to religious freedom," said CAIR-CT Executive Director Mongi Dhaouadi.

He said CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit 

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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.

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Muslim Plant Workers Can Break Ramadan Fast The workers, backed by the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, had charged Electrolux with violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

CONTACT:

CAIR-CT Executive Director Mongi Dhaouadi, 860-514-8038, E-Mail MDhaouadi@cair.com;

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com;

CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com