2 Accused Of NY Subway Station Hate Attack On Imam

December 9, 2010

Author: Jennifer Peltz

Source: The Washington Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/09/AR2010120905779.html

Two men attacked a Muslim religious leader in a hate-fueled assault in a subway station, with one hurling slurs along with a fist, prosecutors and Muslim advocates said Thursday.

But defense lawyers said the incident was a fight spurred by an accidental bump, not bias.

Eddie Crespo, an officer with a transportation police force, and friend Albert Melendez were charged Thursday with robbery and assault, both as hate crimes.