Vandalism at Islamic Society of Greater Lowell

Some moron left cement outside the Islamic Society of Greater Lowell about two weeks ago.  What a jerk!

"A vandal allegedly tried to block the door to a Steadman Street mosque with wet cement early Friday morning. 'I was about to leave my home to go to the mosque,' said Imam Hafiz Abdul Hannan.  But just before 5 a.m., one of Hannan’s parishioners called, because the door to the mosque would not open, he said....  Wet cement was everywhere, Hannan said. And a small block of cement was hardening next to the door, he said."

Chelmsford police are investigating the alleged vandalism. Ahmed Hafeez, president of the mosque, is calling it a hate crime.  I never liked the concept of "hate crimes," a crime is a crime, and it shouldn't be considered any worse because of the race, sex, or religion of the perpetrator is different that that of the victim.  That said, the person who dumped wet cement outside the mosque ought to be charged with vandalism and destruction of property, for sure.  What a stupid, stupid act.  The mosque is in a mini-office park on a fairly busy street, there are businesses and a church a few doors down.  Although it was done either very late at night or early in the morning, it seems likely that somebody saw something.  I hope they catch the guy.

So Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Abdul Hannan is still the imam there.  Hannan was arrested last November as part of a nation-wide sweep of Pakistani nationals accused of religious visa fraud.  Unlike his relative Muhammad Masood, formerly imam at the Islamic Center of New England, Sharon, Hannan still has his job as imam.  Is the government going to bring any charges against Hannan or attempt to deport him?  Have charges been dropped?  One wonders what's going on here.  If any readers know, please send word to me at misskelly99@gmail.com. 

Comments

[Teresa]

Oh for heaven sake - they'll probably find it was some kid who is a serial vandal... I'm wondering if it was meant to be dumped there or if they were on the way to do something else and had an "oops" moment.

In any case - hate crime? Please... it's idiocy pure and simple and whoever did it should be fined for the cleanup and have to do community service.