American Islamic societies protest against breaking in operations of their premises
Regional-USA, Politics, 3/23/2002

Representatives for the American Islamic community in the US on Thursday strongly protested against the storming operations against the headquarters of several Islamic societies.

News reports quoted the US customs department as saying in a statement that some 150 members of the FBI , customs and immigration department carried out storming and breaking in operations on Wednesday and that no incidents were inflicted as a result. But the aim of this operation was not declared.

The department explained the elements confiscated at the targeted places will be studied, noting that the operation targeted 15 houses and organizations in the US states of Virginia and Georgia.

A statement by the Council on American-Islamic Relations said "The Muslim community is deeply concerned about what appears to be a fishing expedition by federal authorities using McCarthy-like tactics in a search for evidence of wrongdoing that does not exist."

It added "The Muslim community is deeply concerned about what appears to be a fishing expedition by federal authorities using McCarthy-like tactics in a search for evidence of wrongdoing that does not exist....Unfortunately, investigators are well aware that in the current climate of fear and prejudice, few people will ask the tough questions about why these respected individuals and groups were targeted. Vague and unsubstantiated references to 'links' or 'ties' to infamous names and organizations should not be a substitute for credible evidence."

The Islamic organizations expressing their protest are Council on American-Islamic Relations, American Muslim Council, Islamic Circle of North America, Islamic Institute, Islamic Society of North America, Muslim Alliance in North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Muslim American Society.

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