November, 19 2008, 03:39pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com;
CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
Zawahri Does Not Speak For Muslims
WASHINGTON
A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today
condemned threatening rhetoric and racial slurs contained in a new
video by Ayman al-Zawahri and said Al-Qaida's second-in-command does
not speak for Muslims in this country or worldwide.
SEE: Al-Qaida No. 2 Insults Obama with Racial Epithet (AP)
In a statement reacting to the new video, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
"As Muslims and as Americans, we will never let terrorist groups or
terror leaders falsely claim to represent us or our faith. The
legitimate grievances of Muslims in many areas of the world can never
serve as an excuse or a justification for attacks on civilian
populations. We once again repudiate Al-Qaida's actions, rhetoric and
worldview and re-state our condemnation of all forms of terrorism and
religious extremism."
SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
CAIR took particular offense to al-Zawahri's use of the offensive
term "house Negro" in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. "Islam
rejects racism and seeks universal peace and brotherhood. We repudiate
any and all use of racial slurs or insults."
The Washington-based council recently welcomed the arrest of two
teenagers who allegedly assaulted a New York Muslim of African heritage
on Election Night after reportedly shouting 'Obama' and condemned a
cross-burning on the lawn of an Obama supporter in New Jersey.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrests in Election Night 'Obama' Attack
SEE ALSO: CAIR Condemns Cross Burning on Lawn of NJ Obama Supporters
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35
offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
(202) 488-8787LATEST NEWS
Watchdog Urges FEC to Investigate Trump Campaign Over Scheme for Legal Fees
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A campaign finance watchdog on Wednesday filed a Federal Election Commission complaint accusing former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, affiliated political groups, and an accounting firm of violating U.S. law in a scheme "seemingly designed to obscure the true recipients of a noteworthy portion of Trump's legal bills."
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Trump—who is the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee—faces 91 federal and state felony charges related to his role in the January 6 insurrection and his organization's business practices. He is currently on trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records related to hush money payments to cover up sex scandals during the 2016 election cycle. The twice-impeached former president has been open about his use of campaign donations to pay his legal costs.
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Three Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday joined with Democrats to advance legislation that would repeal an 1864 ban on abortion—a development rights advocates welcomed while stressing that the fight is far from over.
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