For Immediate Release

Contact, Aref Assaf 973-960-2673; aref@americanarabforum.org

Muslim community demands further clarification of alleged religious profiling of NJ Muslims.

Paterson: September 26, 2005: The American Arab Forum, AAF, is seriously concerned about recent news reports that the State’s Office of Counter-Terrorism is profiling NJ residents based on their religious affiliations. The Star Ledger reported Monday, September 26, 2005, that audited files are believed to have “targeted suspects simply because they practiced Islam or had connections to Muslim groups.

Aref Assaf, President of AAF stated that ”while we have had amicable and mutually beneficial relationship with the office of the Attorney General,  which oversees the Counter Terrorism Office and especially the office of the Civil Rights Division,  we will hold final judgment on the serious charge of institutionalized racial profiling in the State Police.”

Mr. Assaf added, “Racial profiling has proven to be a failed method of preventing crime and terrorism. Besides undermining legitimate law enforcement efforts to keep us safe and free, racial profiling gives those who are intent on harming our nation an easier a formula for greater success; is a proven failure in the "War on Drugs". More importantly, racial profiling encourages hate and undermines national unity. There are close to 700,000 Muslims in New Jersey. Racial profiling unjustly castigates and denies the civil rights of our entire community, which is a productive, and law abiding portion of the New Jersey diverse ethnic, cultural and religious mosaic.”

 We laud the efforts of the Attorney General and Governor Codey  to halt the practice of racial and ethnic profiling of our citizens. We urge  the State Police to declare an end to the illegal practice of profiling and to implement acceptable and proven methods to track, prevent and prosecute criminals and terrorists. It is also our wish that a final and complete report is issued by the Attorney General on this matter.

End.

The American Arab Forum, USA. AAF is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization, is a registered tax-exempt, and not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.  We endeavor to provide reliable and credible information and resources to and about the Arab American community in New Jersey and the United States. www.americanarabforum.org

Link to articles on this subject:

Star Ledger  http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1127710390243320.xml&coll=1

Bergen Record:  http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NzgwNzU4