Lefty NY Rag NEWSDAY cries for its muslims
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Muslim fans say Giants Stadium security, FBI profiled them for praying
By WAYNE PARRY November 1, 2005,
newsday.com 1, 2005,
NEWARK, N.J. -- Several Muslim football fans claim they were profiled and unfairly detained by stadium security personnel and the FBI at Giants Stadium during a game in September when they were seen praying, alarming other fans who considered their behavior suspicious.
Five fans attending the New York Giants-New Orleans Saints game at the Meadowlands on Sept. 19 were removed from their seats and questioned by security personnel after other fans saw them prostrating themselves on the ground as part of daily Muslim prayers, which must be performed five times each day, Sohail Mohammed, a lawyer for one of the men, said Tuesday.
The men plan to detail their experience at a news conference Wednesday in New York designed to foster greater understanding of Islam and the religious practices of Muslims.
"This is a classic example of `If you want to pray, you'll have to pay,' " Mohammed said. "These folks were exercising their fundamental right to practice their faith, and they wanted to enjoy, as Americans, their favorite sport."
Soon after walking through the gates and having their tickets scanned, the men found an open space near the concrete pillars by walkways and escalators at Gate D, and began to pray during the first quarter, said one of the men, who asked not to be identified because he fears harassment.
Other fans apparently notified security, who followed the men to their seats and asked them to come with them during the third quarter, the man said.
According to the man, an FBI agent said they were being detained because someone had reported they were taking photos of the building, and asked if any of them had cameras. They said no, had their identification documents checked and were questioned for about a half-hour on topics including which mosques they attended, and where and how frequently they prayed, the man said.
The men were later told they could return to watch the game, but asked to sit in different seats, Mohammed said. They chose instead to leave, angered by the experience.
FBI agents were at the game that night because former President Bush was present to promote a fundraising effort he and former President Clinton had launched to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The game was originally scheduled for New Orleans, but was switched to Giants Stadium because of the hurricane damage
An FBI spokesman did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.
Officials with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority did not return several messages seeking comment Tuesday.
State Police Capt. Al Della Fave said the private security at the Meadowlands only contacts troopers when a person they detain needs to be arrested.
"Unless it rises to the level of a crime where they need someone charged, we don't get involved," he said. "We were not involved in this at all." |
