Muslim Community Leaders Deported and Detained

October 6, 2002

Source: The Charlotte Observer

On October 6, 2002 The Charlotte Observer reported that "the director of the Islamic Center of Charlotte is stuck in Saudi Arabia. The prayer leader at the Islamic Society of Gastonia has been deported. Their absences are creating hardships in their Muslim communities while raising further allegations that the government treats Muslims unfairly. Ammar Alyounes, director of the Islamic center, flew to Saudi Arabia in May for an annual three-week trip to renew his Saudi citizenship papers and refresh his U.S. work visa. He's been waiting since May for the U.S. Consulate to renew his visa to return to the States -- a process that normally takes him a week or two, family members said."