Who gives a tinker's damn.
Posted on 08/24/2004 10:46:59 AM PDT by ejdrapes
ALBANY, N.Y. (Reuters) - Angry and saddened, members of a Muslim community in New York state's capital have been staying away from their mosque for fear of being labeled terrorists as they await a bail hearing on Tuesday for two men accused of supporting terrorism. The hearing is the second proceeding against the pair associated with an Albany mosque and arrested in an FBI sting operation. It was granted by U.S. Magistrate David Homer after a possible translation error turned up in key evidence against them. Yassin Aref, 34, and Mohammed Hossain, 49, were first ordered held without bail on Aug. 10 when they pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, supporting a terrorist organization and conspiracy. At the time, U.S. authorities said the evidence included an address book found in what they called a terrorist training camp in northern Iraq that referred to Aref as "the commander" in Arabic. The Justice Department says FBI translators now read the word as "brother" in Kurdish. In the wake of the translation controversy, other Muslims in Albany call the case a tragic misunderstanding. About 7,000 Muslims live in Albany and nearby towns. "I'm upset. It's racial profiling," said Abdul Malik, who worships at the small Albany mosque where Aref serves as spiritual leader. "They are honest men, good family men." Faisal Ahmad, a teacher at the mosque, said attendance has been dwindling with many in fear of being labeled terrorists. "The saddest thing about this is it will further the whole misunderstanding about Islam," said Ahmad. "Muslims are not terrorist people. Muslims are not violent people." FAKE ASSASSINATION PLOT The attorneys for the pair say the translation issue calls for a reexamination of the entire case amid criticism that the Bush administration's anti-terrorism policies have led authorities to leap to conclusions in cases that have fizzled or were dropped after initial high-profile announcements. Prosecutors say whether the word is "commander" or "brother" is irrelevant and does not affect the criminal charges the two men face. They say the pair were willing participants in the sting operation set up by the FBI. Aref and Hossain were arrested in Albany after authorities say the pair agreed to help an FBI informant launder $50,000 from the sale of a shoulder-fired missile as part of a fake plan to assassinate Pakistan's ambassador to the United Nations. At a pizzeria owned by Hossain, a letter taped to the counter pleaded with authorities to help the imprisoned owner. "Mr. Hossain is an American citizen and very proud to be an American, as his wife is too," the letter read. "Please try to help him at this time. Not only do his patrons need him at his place of business, his family need him too." If convicted both men could face at least 20 years in prison. Aref, a Kurdish refugee from Iraq, also may face deportation. Muslims Angry Over FBI Terrorism Sting in Albany
Getting caught sucks, doesn't it, Abdul?
If they Bomb America again they wont have to wait in anger as they pack up and flee!
Don't worry--Americans are imaginative and resourceful. That mosque can be turned into a flea market/laundromat in no time.
Who gives a tinker's damn.
After 9-11, I don't give a rat's about Muslim feelings.... They damn sure better FEAR ours.
..."..."The saddest thing about this is it will further the whole misunderstanding about Islam," said Ahmad. "Muslims are not terrorist people. Muslims are not violent people.">>>
Despite what the Qu'Ran says..
.. and despite what is said by clerics in Friday Mosques
.. and despite Islamic beheadings of infidels
.. and despite Islamic hijacking and crashing of commercial (full of kafir) aircraft into occupied office buildings (also full of kafir)
..and despite Islamic efforts to reduce Iraq'a infrastructure to rubble
..and despite a history of conversion 'by the sword'
..and despite suicide bombings in places where kafir congregate
..and despite the rewards of heaven promised to us.
Ignore all that.
It could be re-utilsed as a public convenience. After all, it already has a crescent on it.
Sad enough to go the he** back to the pesthole you came from? I thought not.
(steely)
Sorry I posted before reading replies. I almost said what you said!
He must have attended the "Be a Victim" class offered at the local university
"I'm upset. It's racial profiling," said Abdul Malik, who worships at the small Albany mosque where Aref serves as spiritual leader. "They are honest men, good family men."
Sure arrest the over weight white guy that works 70+ hours a week to support his family. He is not over weight! It is a bomb, not his stomach!
Profiling profiling profiling.
There are over 3000 innocent victims of 9/11 who NEED THEIR FAMILIES, too.
Cry me a river.
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