Dozens of people marched in front of the U.S. District court on the 8th of January to protest the attempted terrorist attack by Umar Abdulmutallabon flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit on the 25th of December last year. Under the title of "Islam is not terrorism", many Muslim Americans marched downtown showing their absolute rejection to terrorism in all its forms.
This demonstration coincided with the first hearing held by court to consider the merits of the case in which Abdulmutallabis accused of trying to blow up flight 253. The protest organized by Community Members. "For eight or nine years Muslims are attacked by the media and by terrorists who pretend to represent us. It is time we take a stand and show Islam is not an evil religion; it is a religion of peace. Those who would commit terrorism do not represent Islam,"Majed Moughni, organizer of the Dearborn Area Community Members and practicing lawyer told the press. Protesters were waving American flags in silence and signs that say, "Not in the name of Islam" and "Islam is peace."
Hebba Aref, an Arab America who sat six rows in front of Abdulmutallab on the plane attended the hearing. The practicing lawyer said she came because the attack "changed my life." Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's was in court for just few minutes and not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He did not say much to the court except that he understood the charges against him.
