ADL Offers Reward in Apparent Hate Crime
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - May 28, 2003
In what local and federal authorities are investigating as a hate crime, a 52-year Sikh man was shot and seriously wounded by men who, according to reports, told him to, "Go back to where you belong." Avtar Singh, a Phoenix truck driver, wears a turban and untrimmed beard as part of his faith.
The Arizona Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting of Singh. In announcing the reward, ADL Regional Board Chair Larry Lazarus said, "Hate crimes are a top level priority with ADL. We want the people responsible for shooting Mr. Singh to be caught, convicted and punished, and we hope this reward helps law enforcement toward that end."
ADL Regional Director Bill Straus indicated that anyone with any information about the crime should call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-534-BIAS (602-534-2427).
