Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) condemns religious intolerance, and we promote freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all of our fellow human beings. We are shocked and disturbed to hear of the report in Seattle, Washington suburb of a Muslim van being vandalized, outside of the Islamic Center of Eastside (Bellevue Masjid), in Bellevue Washington.
Islamic Center of Eastside, Bellevue, WA (Bellevue Masjid)
The Muslim van was vandalized with dog feces on the front and side windows. It was clearly labeled as a Muslim van. The vehicle was targeted, while other vehicles were ignored. The mosque sits next to a Mormon church which was not vandalized.
Muslim Van Vandalized in Bellevue - Across Street from Muslim Mosque and Mormon Church
Local Bellevue Muslims have been calling for law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism as a “hate crime,” according a KIRO video interviewing local residents. In addition, most other local non-Muslim residents interviewed also stated that they viewed it as a “hate crime.”
The Bellevue police say that it “malicious mischief”, but say that since there were no threats, they are not investigating it as a “hate crime” at this time. The Bellevue police have stated that they are increasing police patrols near the mosque, but without any video or witnesses, they believe that they have limited evidence for an investigation.
The Bellevue Reporter quoted Police captain Patrick Spak as stating: “We have to keep this in perspective. The van is not damaged and the building is not damaged. From a police department perspective, we don’t want to over-react, but we don’t want to under-react.”
Dog Feces Vandalism of Muslim Van in Bellevue, WA (Photo: KIRO Video Clip)
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.
We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.
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Other Media Reports:
— KIRO: Van Outside Mosque Apparently Smeared With Dog Feces
— Bellevue Reporter: Feces smeared on Muslim van near Bellevue mosque
— Seattle Post Intelligencer: Feces smeared on Muslim van near Bellevue mosque
— Seattle Post Intelligencer: Group says van parked near mosque vandalized
