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Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago 231 S. State Street, Suite 300 Chicago, Illinois 60604 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/8/2006 Contact: Mr. Abdul Malik Mujahid, malik@ciogc.org; (312) 804-1962 ROCKFORD, IL PLOT FOILED, MUSLIMS GIVE THANKS The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is saddened to learn of the intentions of Derrick Shareef, 22 of Rockford, Illinois who has been arrested for allegedly plotting to commit an act of terrorism during this holiday season. "We are relieved to hear that there was no immediate danger to anyone," said chairman Abdul Malik Mujahid adding, "We commend law enforcement officers for their efforts to protect and serve." While condemning violence of all kinds, Mujahid also called for caution instead of a rush to judgment. "Time and time again, Muslims have been arrested on charges of terrorism which have later been unsubstantiated," said Mujahid. The Council, a federation of over 50 mosques and Muslim organizations, strongly encourages the media to keep the charges in proper perspective so as to prevent any negative backlash against Muslims. The Council and other civil rights organizations have noted that hate crimes and bigoted acts increase against Muslims when a person who is of that faith is charged under anti-terrorism laws. "This man certainly does not represent the Muslim community," said Mujahid adding that Muslims throughout the Chicagoland area hope that this holiday season will be filled with peace and good will. Contact: Mr. Abdul Malik Mujahid, malik@ciogc.org; (312) 804-1962 About CIOGC: The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is a federation of over fifty mosques and Islamic centers, schools, and organizations serving the 400,000 Muslims in the Chicago area. -end-
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