Fed orders seizure of four mosques in NY

New York, Nov 13: In a major counter terrorism move in US, Federal prosecutors have ordered the seizure of four mosques and suspected Iranian governrment controlled Fifth Avenue Skycraper, owned by a non-profit making Muslim organization on Thursday, Nov 12.

The prosecutors filed a civil complain against Alavi Foundation seeking seizure of its 36 tower office in New York along with accounts and property in New York, Maryland, Virginia, Texas and California worth USD 500 million.

Reacting to the action taken by the government, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations said, "Whatever the details of the government's case against the owners of the mosques, as a civil rights organization we are concerned that the seizure of American houses of worship could have a chilling effect on the religious freedom of citizens of all faiths and may send a negative message to Muslims worldwide."

The action which came after the Fort Hood shooting rampage is speculated to aggravate the souring relationship between the US government and American Muslims.

However US attorney's office spokeswoman Yusill Scribner said that no actions has been taken against the tenants and the occupants of the properties.

"The tenants and occupants remain free to use the properties as they have before today's filing. There are no allegations of any wrongdoing on the part of any of these tenants or occupants," She said

OneIndia News