Muslim candidate received threats, group says

A Butler County woman running for Ohio House has received threats based on her Muslim religion, according to a Muslim advocacy group.

Officials from the Cincinnati chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cincinnati) has called for authorities to investigate the alleged threats as a hate crime.

CAIR-Cincinnati officials said Cathina Hourani, a Democrat from Liberty Township who is challenging Republican incumbent Margaret Conditt for Ohio's 52nd House District, received threatening phone calls Wednesday after a story ran in a local newspaper about her candidacy.

The article also sparked "hate-filled and threatening" comments on the website of the Journal-News, which published the story, CAIR said.

One of those comments allegedly said "don't elect a Muslim SOB, you should start shooting them!," according to CAIR.

"Threats targeting a candidate for public office based on her faith are very disturbing and should be of concern to all Americans,: said Karen Dabdoub, CAIR-Cincinnati executive director.

"We believe the rising level of bigotry targeting Muslims in our nation is a direct result of the Islamophobia industry pumping out this type of hatred on a daily basis."

A woman who answered the phone at Hourani's home said Hourani was unavailable for comment. Officials from the Butler County Sheriff's Office, which provides law enforcement in the township where Hourani resides, could not be reached.