The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: AIUSA media office,Email:,media@aiusa.org,Phone: 202-544-0200 x302

Amnesty International Is Concerned With the Growing Number of Crimes Committed Against Muslims

Amnesty International
U.S.A. (AIUSA) is deeply concerned about the growing number of reports
of crimes committed against Muslims and of other anti-Muslim sentiment
and activity in the United States.

WASHINGTON

Amnesty International
U.S.A. (AIUSA) is deeply concerned about the growing number of reports
of crimes committed against Muslims and of other anti-Muslim sentiment
and activity in the United States.

AIUSA deplores the stabbing of a Muslim cab
driver in New York, the arson attack against a mosque construction site
in Tennessee and the vandalizing of an Islamic center in California. These
crimes, together with activities such as the proposed "International
Burn a Qu'ran Day" sponsored by a Florida church and protests against
mosques in other cities, foster a climate of fear, discrimination and persecution
against Muslims. They have no place in a society that values freedom,
justice and equality.

Amnesty International has long worked to
promote and defend the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,
which includes the right to manifest one's religion or belief in worship,
observance, practice and teaching, either individually or in community
with others, in public or in private. The human rights organization
calls for an end to rhetoric and actions that discriminate against any
faith and stands in solidarity with all those anywhere who are persecuted
for their real or perceived beliefs or identity.

AIUSA urges authorities in the United States
to take strong action against attacks directed at people of the Muslim
faith. In a climate of fear and perceived external threat, it is essential
that the authorities step up measures to ensure that people from all communities,
whether citizens or not, are equally protected. U.S. authorities
should continue to denounce intimidation and attacks against Muslims and
make clear that crimes of hate and discrimination will not be tolerated.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning
grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters,
activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human
rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates
and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice,
freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people - no matter who they are or where they are. We are the world's largest grassroots human rights organization.

(212) 807-8400