CAIR-MN Seeks Hate Crime Probe of Assault on North Dakota Muslim

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 7/3/2017) - - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate an alleged assault on a North Dakota Muslim as a possible hate crime.

CAIR said two men were arrested after reportedly beating the Somali-American Muslim victim early Sunday morning in Fargo, N.D. Police say three Muslim men were in a parking lot while moving into a nearby building when they were approached by two men unknown to them.

The suspected assailants, James Patrick Billiot, 32, and Justin William Rifanburg, 28, allegedly made derogatory remarks -- including reportedly shouting “f**king n**gers” -- before assaulting the Muslim victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

SEE: 2 Arrested After Fight in South Fargo Early Sunday
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/arrested-after-fight-in-south-fargo-early-sunday/article_c9178d39-73a6-5945-b85f-a8c5031f9ded.html 

“Given the reported bias-motivated slurs used during the alleged assault, we ask local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.

Hussein said CAIR has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election. The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization recently released a report showing a 57 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents in 2016 over the previous year. This spike in anti-Muslim incidents was accompanied by a 44 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes during the same period.

This Morning’s Court Decision on #MuslimBan and What It Means

CAIR-MN 'Disappointed' with Verdict in Philando Castile Police Shooting Case

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 6/16/2017) - - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN)  expresses disappointment with verdict of Castile case.

Almost a year ago, Philando Castile was killed in his car by Officer Geronimo Yanez. Today, after a week-long deliberation, the jury in officer Yanez's trial returned a verdict of not guilty on the charges of manslaughter and two weapons charges.

"We are disappointed with today's verdict and the message it sends to minority communities in Minnesota and nationwide," said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. "We hope this sad day may serve as a catalyst for change in our society. We must all redouble our efforts to achieve reform of the system that results in such tragedies."

"We extend our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Castile's family, to his fiancé Diamond Reynolds and his mother Valerie. Ms. Reynolds showed incredible bravery and composure during the incident, recording the aftermath of the shooting for the world to see, shining a light on the egregious injustice and in recounting the events in court. Valerie Castile has likewise acted as a pillar of strength throughout the trial, and offered messages of hope and calm to the entire community".

#[email protected] Campaign:

Muslims living in the United States are often times marginalized and left with no voice to represent. Therefore, we are launching #[email protected] campaing to increase the number of Minnesota Muslims and minority communities in getting their voices and issues heard by their elected officals. We are targeting 1000 Meetings scheduled by May 2018. Most immigrants and minoirty community members in our state do not get a chance to meet their elected officals which results in having no voice at the state capitol. We are going to change this by getting you and others to see how easy and effective this proccess is. We will help you with the steps needed to get a meeting scheuled and the impact it will have on you and your family and community. 

#[email protected] #MNLEG

CAIR-MN Welcomes 39-Year Sentence for Man Who Attempted to Murder Somalis

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 6/12/2017) -  - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed a 39-year prison sentence for Anthony Sawina, who last year shot at five Somali-American men in a car on their way to prayers, injuring two.

See: Man gets 39 years for attempted murder of 2 Somali men

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/06/12/man-gets-39-years-for-attempted-murder-of-2-somali-men

"Minnesota's Muslim community welcomes the sentencing of Anthony Sawina for the attempted murder of two Somali youth," said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. "As hate crimes targeting Muslims increase in our state, Minnesotans must all stand together against every one of these horrifying acts born of hatred and targeting innocent people."

Hussein added, "today we are witnessing both the rise of sophisticated and organized anti-Muslim groups like ACT for America, as well as the sudden and impetuous assaults on Muslims growing all too common in our communities."