(LOS ANGELES, CA, 8/16/2022) – The Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate an alleged bias-motivated assault on those protesting against the persecution of religious minorities and caste discrimination in India at La Palma Park in Anaheim, Calif.
One of those shown allegedly harassing the protesters shouts “stupid Muslims, get out.” The alleged assailants reportedly grabbed protest signs and physically and verbally harassed the protesters.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“Every American has the right to peaceful protest without the threat of violence and intimidation based on their race, faith or national origin. We call on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this reportedly bias-motivated attack and to consider bringing hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrators.”
Earlier today, CAIR’s New jersey chapter joined the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) in condemning the use of a bulldozer at the India Independence Day parade this year.
The bulldozer, which has become a symbol of Muslim home demolitions in India, was decorated with the images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Provincial Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both of whom espouse Islamophobic Hindu nationalist ideologies and serve as active leaders of India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851or eelkadi@cair.com