NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today reported an apparently bias-motivated assault on a New Jersey Muslim woman taking part in a pro-democracy rally in Times Square on Saturday.

CAIR-NY reports that the woman, who wears an Islamic headscarf (hijab), was called an "f**king terrorist" during the assault. The incident and the arrest of the alleged perpetrator were caught on video.

Video: Muslim Woman Assaulted, Called 'F**king Terrorist' at NY Pro-Democracy Rally

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSAx6CMhe_E

"Any American should be able to engage in peaceful protest without fear of assault or intimidation based on that person's religion, ethnicity or national origin," said CAIR-NY Operations Coordinator Sadyia Khalique. "We urge that appropriate charges be brought against the alleged assailant."

Khalique added that CAIR has been in communication with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) about the incident.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-NY Board President Ryan Mahoney, 646-734-1029; CAIR-NY Operations Coordinator Sadyia Khalique, 212-870-2002, E-Mail: skhalique@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)