Interfaith Community Defends Muslim Cleric Accused of Aiding Terror in San Diego

August 6, 2004

Source: The San Diego Union Tribune

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/terror/20040803-2228-hamas-staff.html

On August 6, 2004 The San Diego Union Tribune reported that, "people of many faiths voice their support for El-Mazain. Scores of people crowded the federal courthouse Tuesday in support of a prominent San Diego Muslim cleric whose arrest on terrorism charges inspired Jewish, Catholic and Protestant community leaders to come to his defense... Because of El-Mezain's significant ties to the San Diego community, U.S. Magistrate Judge Louisa S. Porter allowed Landon to present evidence Tuesday that will be considered at his bond hearing in Dallas. Landon gave the judge a package containing about 20 letters from friends and community leaders, praising El-Mazain for his efforts to bring together people of different faiths after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and for his spiritual leadership in the community."