February 22, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Afghan-American Conference, the Samovar Network, and the Afghan Diaspora for Equality and Progress
Afghan-American Community Organizations Condemn Hate Crime in Indiana
WASHINGTON, DC February 21, 2019 – On Saturday, February 16, 2019, the Afghan-American community learned that Mustafa Ayoubi, a 32-year old Afghan-American, was murdered in a hate crime in Indianapolis, Indiana. The tragedy occurred following what authorities are calling a road-rage incident on I-465, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Friends of Ayoubi witnessed the suspect shouting anti-Islamic slurs and derogatory comments such as “you foreigners you need to go back and get out of my country.” Ayoubi’s family believes the shooting was a hate crime. At the moment, homicide detectives are not investigating this case as one.
The Afghan-American Conference (AAC), The Samovar Network (TSN), and the Afghan Diaspora for Equality and Progress (ADEP) jointly condemn this senseless act of hate and violence. This shocking violence has left a family and entire community devastated. We stand with communities of color that have been impacted by unjustified violence and hate crimes. We call on the Indianapolis Police Department to conduct a thorough review and hold the suspect accountable for committing a hate crime. We call on Indiana’s lawmakers to pass a hate crime statute since no such law currently exists in the state. The need for immediate reform transcends creed, color, class, and political affiliation.
Contact:
Arash Azizzada, Media Contact
info@adeprogress.org
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