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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
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.
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