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Print This StoryIslamic Leader Denies Accusation Of Concealing Terrorism Links
Supporters Gather To Cheer Indicted Clergyman
POSTED: 6:11 p.m. EST January 16, 2004
UPDATED: 6:27 p.m. EST January 16, 2004
CLEVELAND -- A prominent Islamic clergyman on Friday denied a charge that he concealed alleged links to anti-Israel terrorist groups when he applied for U.S. citizenship.
Surrounded by supporters from Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths, Imam Fawaz Mohammed Damrah asked for continued support from the community and said he would be cleared.
"First and foremost, I have trust in God and then in the judicial system to vindicate me in the face of these misguided charges," said Damrah, who leads the Islamic Center of Cleveland.
Damrah said his is not a case of terrorism, but that of politically motivated targeting.
About 250 people packed a community center attached to the mosque, with supporters cheering wildly and giving the Damrah a standing ovation before and after he spoke.
Damrah's supporters have already contributed $1,000 to his defense fund.
Damrah took no questions from reporters.
The indictment against Damrah accuses him of concealing from his citizenship application his membership or affiliation with several groups, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Damrah, 41, was charged Tuesday with obtaining U.S. citizenship by providing false information. If convicted, he could lose his citizenship and face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The FBI had been investigating Damrah for two years before the arrest was made this week.
He pleaded not guilty and was released on $160,000 bail for a trial Feb. 23.
Surrounded by supporters from Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths, Imam Fawaz Mohammed Damrah asked for continued support from the community and said he would be cleared.
"First and foremost, I have trust in God and then in the judicial system to vindicate me in the face of these misguided charges," said Damrah, who leads the Islamic Center of Cleveland.
Damrah said his is not a case of terrorism, but that of politically motivated targeting.
About 250 people packed a community center attached to the mosque, with supporters cheering wildly and giving the Damrah a standing ovation before and after he spoke.
Damrah's supporters have already contributed $1,000 to his defense fund.
Damrah took no questions from reporters.
The indictment against Damrah accuses him of concealing from his citizenship application his membership or affiliation with several groups, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Damrah, 41, was charged Tuesday with obtaining U.S. citizenship by providing false information. If convicted, he could lose his citizenship and face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The FBI had been investigating Damrah for two years before the arrest was made this week.
He pleaded not guilty and was released on $160,000 bail for a trial Feb. 23.
Copyright 2004 by NewsNet5. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
