The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for an attack on a Sikh taxi driver who was attacked after apparently being mistaken for a Muslim.

CAIR-SV reported that the driver was severely injured after being attacked early Sunday by two men he picked up in his taxi. He reportedly told his attackers, “I’m not Muslim.” One of the attackers allegedly shouted expletives and called the driver “Osama Bin Laden,” in apparent reference to the turban worn by Sikh men.

“No American should fear attack merely for being perceived to be Muslim,” said CAIR-SV Civil Rights Coordinator Adel Syed. “The FBI and local law enforcement authorities should investigate whether this disturbing crime was motivated by anti-Muslim hate and then bring appropriate charges when and if the perpetrators are apprehended.”

CAIR press release, 29 November 2010

See also KTXL.TV, 28 November 2010