HOUSTON, Texas, 19 August — Crystal (Ayesha) Ali Khan, a devout Muslim, has been targeted by Texas officials despite being a victim of a vicious assault by two women, according to DawaNet chapter in Houston.

In a statement, DawaNet claimed that Ayesha, who is one of its workers, was assaulted by two non-Muslim women accusing her of abandoning her children when she got out of her car to pick up her children's medicine at a Houston Eckerd Drug Store.

"They pulled her hijab off, tore her clothes, and threw her on the floor. The police were called but refused to arrest the attacking women or even press charges against them," said the statement.

It said they cited Ayesha instead for child abandonment. Later, the district attorney took several weeks before deciding that they will not press charges against the attackers.

DawaNet said the DA has pressed charges against the woman for child abandonment. Her hearing is on Sept. 10.

The Texas Child Protective Service has reportedly stepped in and issued a notice to Ayesha for an investigation.

A caseworker will visit her and her children and will determine if the children should be taken away.

DawaNet said Texas CPS' record against Muslim parents has been "one of the worst in the nation."

It said the American Civil Liberties Union, Council on American Islamic Relations, and Muslim Legal Fund are all trying to help, but these are all civil rights groups. "The DA has made it a criminal case. Therefore, the extent to which these groups can help is limited," the statement said.

The Muslim Legal Fund in Dallas and DawaNet, Houston, are raising funds for Ayesha's defense, it said.

"We need you to remember Ayesha, her husband Ali Khan, and their beautiful little toddlers in your prayers. If you can help in raising funds for her legal defense, please contact Muslim Legal Fund ([email protected]) in Dallas or DawaNet Houston ([email protected])," the statement said.

"If you know of an attorney who will take this case without charging an arm and a leg, or if you can otherwise help, please contact Br. Wajahat Ali, Executive Director, Muslim Legal Fund at ([email protected])," the statement said, adding: "If you live in the Houston area, you can help just by showing up at the court hearing on Sept. 10, 2002. Please e-mail us for details for court building and court number etc. Knowledge is the first step in exercising our rights. So, please forward this information to as many Muslims as possible for you. May Allah help the sister and reward you for your prayers, time, and financial help."