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Hussam has been a lifelong human rights activist who is passionate about promoting democratic societies, in the US and worldwide, in which all people, including immigrants, workers, minorities, and the poor enjoy freedom, justice, economic justice, respect, and equality. Mr. Ayloush frequently lectures on Islam, media relations, civil rights, hate crimes and international affairs. He has consistently appeared in local, national, and international media. Full biography at: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/biography-of-hussam-ayloush.html

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Marine reservist accused of attacking priest in Tampa will not be charged - St. Petersburg Times

St. Petersburg Times
By Colleen Jenkins and Alexandra Zayas

March 9, 2010TAMPA — The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office will not pursue an aggravated battery charge against the Marine reservist accused last fall of beating a Greek Orthodox priest with a tire iron.

Assistant State Attorney Michael Sinacore said his office declined Tuesday to officially charge Jasen Bruce...

Bruce, 28, was arrested in November. Police said he was bent over the trunk of his car in the parking garage of Seaport Channelside condominium pulling out clothes when Father Alexios Marakis — who speaks little English and was lost — tapped him on the shoulder to ask for directions...

Police said Bruce hit the 29-year-old priest on the head with a tire iron, chased him for three blocks and pinned him, all while telling a 911 operator that the bearded, robed man was an Arab terrorist, that he had tried to rob him and that he had grabbed his genitals and propositioned him for sex.

The priest required stitches in his head.

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