Protesting Islam
The Murfreesboro Masjid Project
Muhammad ‘Abd al-Haqq
We would like to make an attempt to demonstrate a connection, through our series’ “Hate Crimes Against Muslims“, “Understanding Shari’ah“, “Masajid Vandalism” “The Crackdown on Islam”, and “Protesting Islam”, between Islamophobia as a social phenomenon and it’s manifestation in not not just negative attitudes being openly expressed in the mainstream, but physical actions being taken. Before providing an analysis in the next post about this controversy, and how it belies many of the stated reasons for it’s opposition we give you hear a series of videos showing the progress of this controversy:
Protests
Arson
Vigil
Media coverage
More Media Coverage
Politicians Weigh In
Is it a Movement?
Courtroom Action(!)
Fundraising
Update via NewsChannel5
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The debate over the construction of a mosque in Murfreesboro was back in a Rutherford County courtroom on Monday. Name calling and snide remarks could be heard from inside.
There was an added sense of urgency as construction of the new Islamic Center is about to begin. The parking lot is paved at the site of the proposed new Islamic Center of Murfreesboro on Veals Road.
It was the final step before they begin construction of the 52,000 square foot facility.
County attorneys said they have nothing to hide, but the debate became ugly.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Joe Brandon compared county attorney Josh McCreary to Moammar Gadhafi.
Opponents argued the county failed to consider if the new mosque could be a new terrorist training facility and never should have approved the building permit.
They also believe they county has not released all the e-mails about how the decision was reached to allow construction.
“At a time when trust in government is at an all-time low our local government is operating in a clandestine manner,” said Brandon.
“9,000 e-mails were turned over and second had 2,000 e-mails,” responded McCreary.
Chancellor Robert Corlew tried to keep things civil. His clerk will now review all government emails to decide if they can be released.
However, the chancellor did not order a delay of mosque construction.
In May, Chancellor Corlew dismissed most of the complaints filed against the county.
Posted: Jun 27, 2011 6:47 PM EDT
NICK BERES
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- There was some name calling inside a Rutherford County courtroom as debate continues over a high-profile lawsuit involving one of the most controversial issues in Middle Tennessee.
At stake? Plans for the new Islamic Center in Murfreesboro.
The parking lot is now paved at the site of the proposed facility on Veals Road. That is the final step before they begin construction.
But those hoping to stop the project again argued in court the county failed to give the public proper notice of the project before approving it. They also argued the county did not investigate if the new mosque could be a front for a terrorist training facility. Attorney Joe Brandon compared the county attorney to Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi.
County attorneys said Brandon’s argument is not based in fact or evidence, and they insist the county followed the law in legally approving the mosque project. Chancellor Robert Corlew continues to allow the project to move forward.
Also, newly-revised sketches show what the mosque facility will look like when completed.
Construction of the first phase of the 52,000 square foot project is expected to begin next month.
