The state attorney for DuPage County, Illinois, stated that “this kind of behavior and the accompanying prejudice have no place in a civilized society.”
Authorities claimed an Illinois woman was prosecuted after a guy wearing a sweater with the word “Palestine” emblazoned on it allegedly got into a fight with her at a restaurant.
DuPage County authorities said Monday that Alexandra Szustakiewicz of Darien, Illinois, was charged with two felony charges of a hate crime and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct related to the incident inside a Panera Bread restaurant in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove.
The 64-year-old lady allegedly confronted a man wearing a “Palestine” sweater, yelled obscenities, and tried to knock a phone out of a woman’s hands while she was recording the incident, according to the statement citing the inquiry.
Specific acts directed at Muslims
The statement further stated that Szustakiewicz was arrested the following day without incident after being charged with a hate crime based on perceived national origin following an inquiry.
Robert Berlin, the state attorney for DuPage County, emphasized in a statement that “this type of behavior and the accompanying prejudice have no place in a civilized society” and that all members of society should be treated with respect and equality regardless of their color, religion, or other personal characteristics.
On December 16, Szustakiewicz is expected to appear in court for his arraignment.
Specific acts directed at Muslims
Over the past year, there have been increasing reports of targeted activities against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans, which coincided with the occurrence.
Wadea al Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American, was brutally murdered on October 14 of last year after being stabbed 26 times at his home in Plainfield, Illinois. Hanaan Shahin, his 32-year-old mother, was also attacked but lived.
Joseph Czuba, 71, the family’s landlord, was taken into custody by the authorities and accused of two hate crimes, aggravated battery, first-degree murder, and attempted first-degree murder. Czuba entered a not guilty plea.
