AUSTIN — A string of threats is prompting a boost in security at the State Capitol.

The threats are directed at hundreds of Muslims who are in Austin for 'Muslim Day at the Capitol.' They represent Islamic organizations and mosques from across the state of Texas.

According to the Texas Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), threats were posted online and also came in over the phone. Law enforcement stepped up protection, making additional Department of Public Safety troopers visible along the south steps of the building.

The Texas Muslims are visiting the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and ignite positive interactions. There have been similar rallies at the start of a new legislative session for a few years now. However this year, threats against the group escalated.

According to CAIR people started posting messages on a blog site called Bare Naked Islam a few weeks ago. Some people threatened gun violence. Others wrote about killing and capturing participants.

"We feel we are in the front lines," explained President of the San Antonio CAIR chapter Sarwat Husain. "We are not doing anything wrong here. We are doing what anybody else does. So for anybody to feel threatened or not to like it, it is ridiculous. We are protecting our First Amendment [rights]."

Husain says about 300 Texas Muslims registered to attend 'Muslim Day at the Capitol.' Some backed out after the threats intensified.

"The fear is on both sides. Our community is afraid of the politicians, of the law enforcement, of the people in common, you know, because of all these threats. We also want to teach the politicians," said Husain.

The threats are not new to the group. Back in 2011 CAIR says they called on the FBI to investigate similar messages posted on the same website, threatening mosques across the state. The group is asking law enforcement to look into who's behind the online messages.

KVUE, 31 January 2013

See alo "Security boosted for Texas Muslim event following online threats", CAIR press release, 31 January 2013

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Security measures have been taken at Llanelli's mosque following claims of attacks on the building.

Metal bars have been fitted over the Station Road mosque's front window after reports were made that the glass was smashed while someone was praying inside. The incident came just months after the door was kicked through and a group of elderly women were followed in.

And police are now conducting high visibility patrols in the area to calm the concerns of people using the mosque.

Press officer for Llanelli's Ethnic Minority Help Association Anne Stevens-Bevan said she was working hard to ensure people feel safe when they go to pray.

"I met with the police last week and I am negotiating with them and the Muslim Council for Great Britain to see what advice they can give," she said. "There have been problems with things thrown at the window and people being chased and abused physically and mentally. The trouble has been on-going for 14 years, but I have made a promise that it won't happen again because it's just not fair."

Mrs Stevens-Bevan said she was "sickened to the stomach" to hear that the window was smashed while someone was praying. "It should be a world of calmness," she said. "Having to put bars over the window takes away from that – it takes away from the sense of peace."

She added that while lighting would soon be installed near the mosque, efforts were still being made to have CCTV cameras installed.

"The mosque is well used – and by some very elderly people – and they should feel safe," she said. "They get mouthy people passing, and these words can build up and rob them of their self-esteem. People don't forget things like that, and for the women who were followed into the mosque it must be in their minds all the time. The mosque is a sacred place, like our churches and chapels, and we will not give up until people feel safe to go there."

PC Dylan Davies said: "When they reported the criminal damage to me I did advise them to think about taking some security measures, which they did by adding the grill to the window. Having said that, this is a one-off instance. I am aware of concerns the people using the mosque have, and I am keeping an eye on the building and making sure that there are regular high visibility patrols in and around the area."

This is South Wales, 17 April 2012

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