The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) expresses its sympathy and condolences to the families of a Muslim clergy, Imam Maulama Akonjeem , and his assistant Mr. Thara Uddin who were shot to death after prayers at a mosque in the borough of Queens in New York on Saturday, August 13, 2016. AHRC-USA extends its heartfelt condolences to the Bangladeshi community and the Muslim community at large in the United States. AHRC commends the NY Police department for their swift action as they arrested a suspect amidst the New York Muslim community’s serious concerns regarding the motives and the reasons behind the execution style killings.
AHRC -USA joins all peace- loving people in condemning this heinous crime. AHRC-USA will continue to monitor this case due to its sensitive nature and its impact on the American Muslim community amidst the increase of in anti- Muslim sentiment in America and anti- Muslim rhetoric.
“We are shocked and distressed that two men of God, Muslim clergy, are killed execution style,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “This appears to be a hate crime motivated by the faith of the victims. The right to life and the right to the free exercise of religion are fundamental human rights that the murderer violated. We urge all peace loving people to work together to counter hate. Hate breeds this type of violence,” added Hamad.
Read the latest, Suspect charged with murder in killings of NY imam, assistant: http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/15/us/new-york-imam-shooting/