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TAMPA, Fl (Feb. 11, 2006) – A series
of suspected arson attacks on nine Baptist churches in Alabama
has shocked the Hindu American community, reminding them of
similar attacks on temples across the country. Over the past
week, nine churches in central Alabama were set ablaze in
two strings of attacks. Federal and state investigators suspect
the fires were intentional but have yet to determine any motive.
After September 11th, 2001, several Hindu
temples across North America and the United Kingdom have been
targets of vandalism, firebombing and arson attacks. In recently
released statistics, the FBI reported that in 2004 alone,
there were 1,197 hate crime incidents that were religiously
motivated.1
“Having faced similar attacks in the
past, Hindu Americans empathize with the congregations affected
by these heinous crimes,” said Pawan Deshpande, member
of the Executive Council of the Hindu American Foundation
(HAF). “Because places of worship are central to many
communities, we hope that law enforcement will be able to
expeditiously apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.”
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