State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) delivers a speech on the House Floor in the Michigan Capitol Building.

 

DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 15, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) joins the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL) in demanding justice for a 7-year-old resident following an alleged anti-Arab hate crime and attempted murder. Last week, Saida Mashrah was playing at Ryan Park in Detroit when a man approached her and attacked her with a knife before fleeing the scene.

“Saida was targeted for the simple fact of existing as an Arab-American child,” Farhat said. “This attack was a hate crime, and our justice system must treat it as such. Arab-American families should not have to live in fear while going to a park or trying to sleep at night.”

The alleged suspect is currently facing charges of assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. During the Detroit Police Department’s initial investigation, they stated they did not find evidence to press charges as a hate crime. However, the ACRL has taken on Saida’s case and is pushing for the attack to be prosecuted as a hate crime. Officials from the ACRL are working to get Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the FBI involved in the case in order to further investigate the perpetrator’s motive.

The suspect’s bail was originally set at $2 million during a hearing last week. The ACRL stated that the man remained in jail as of yesterday and was denied bail in court this morning.

“We commend the court for denying bail to the perpetrator, but the fight for justice is far from over,” said Mariam Chahara, executive director of the ACRL. “The Arab American Civil Rights League trusts that state and federal authorities will investigate this case thoroughly, ensuring that every angle is examined, and that Saida and her family receive the justice they deserve. This attack is not only a tragedy for one family but a direct assault on our entire community, and we must make it clear that such hate will not be tolerated.”

“The ACRL has shown tremendous courage and leadership by fighting for justice for Saida and all families in our community,” Farhat continued. “We must do everything we can to protect people from hate and violence.”

 

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