CAIR Comment on Today's Seizure of 4 Mosques

Below is the reaction to today's FBI seizure of 4 Iranian-linked mosques by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (from the CAIR website):
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(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/12/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today expressed concern about the government’s move to seize mosques in New York, Maryland, California, and Texas. Officials accuse the foundation that owns the mosques of being tied to the Iranian government.


CAIR said the unprecedented move by the government may have First Amendment implications for the American Muslim community.

“Whatever the details of the government’s case against the owners of the mosques, as a civil rights organization we are concerned that the seizure of American houses of worship could have a chilling effect on the religious freedom of citizens of all faiths and may send a negative message to Muslims worldwide,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.

He said the government’s move comes at a particularly bad time, as American Muslims are fearful of a backlash resulting from the recent shooting spree at Fort Hood in Texas.

Hooper said CAIR will monitor the case as it moves through the court system.