PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Supports Hate Crime Charge for Man Performing Nazi Salute in Front of Black Children
PRESS STATEMENT
**FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION**
CAIR-Chicago Supports Hate Crime Charge for Man Performing Nazi Salute in Front of Black Children
(CHICAGO, IL, 3/24/2020) -- The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, today declared its support for a hate crime charge brought against a man who allegedly yelled “white power” and did a Nazi salute to a family leaving Walgreens on Nelson Road.
The family, a mother and three children, was approaching their vehicle when Justyn Giarraputo, reportedly parked next to them, yelled from his window.
SEE: New Lenox man accused of Nazi salute, shouting 'white power' at Black children
“Violence is not just action. Violence is symbols. Violence is atmosphere. Violence is communication. The Nazis knew this and curated the atmosphere, the symbols and the communication to terrorize, along with the actions,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “The Nazi salute is hate-motivated violence and has the same debilitating effect as an assault on its victims who belong to historically discriminated against groups.”
He added that the American Muslim community and CAIR-Chicago are standing in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Saadia Pervaiz, 312-212-1520, spervaiz@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Hannah Faris, 312-212-1520, hfaris@cair.com
India Resolution Update
Today, the City of Chicago India Resolution failed 18-26. Ashamed of the 26. Proud of the 18. That just means there is more work for us to do. Down but not out. We have to fight harder. Hate WILL be defeated.
"This was a collective effort across communities. We are proud to be a part Chicago Coalition for Human Rights in India in helping inform and educate many Chicagoans about the human rights abuses in India," said Deputy Director Sufyan Sohel. "While we are extremely disappointed by our City Council, we are energized to continue fighting for truth and justice."