Illinois agencies record more crimes against Muslims, Arabs

CHICAGO -- Law enforcement agencies nationwide and in Illinois have logged a jump in hate crimes against Muslims, Arabs and people perceived to be of Middle Eastern descent.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Illinois incidents ranging from harassment to fights or threats involving knives or baseball bats have increased, and federal reports of discrimination have doubled, according to records.

Illinois State Police recorded 49 reports of hate crimes against people of Arab decent in 2001, compared to nine crimes the previous year. They also classified 10 crimes last year as anti-Islamic, compared to just one or two in previous years.

From September to November last year the FBI opened 199 investigations into hate crimes against people perceived to be Muslim or Middle Eastern. Ross Rice, FBI spokesman in Chicago, said the crime reports tapered off after November.

The Chicago Police Department counted 55 incidents in the weeks after Sept. 11, but just one so far this year, spokesman Pat Campbell said.