hate crime against sikh student in queens

Two Pakistani students at Newtown High School in Elmhurst, Queens, stand accused of pulling off the turban and cutting the hair of a 15-year-old Sikh student in a school bathroom after a verbal altercation. Police are calling the attack a hate crime:

According to Mr. Kelly, the Sikh student and a Pakistani student got into an argument, and the young Sikh student apologized after making an insult. However, the apology was not accepted, Mr. Kelly said, and the Pakistani student said, "To apologize appropriately, you will have to cut your hair." The Pakistani student dragged the Sikh student into the bathroom and, with two other students standing watch outside, tore off the Sikh’s turban, and cut his hair, Mr. Kelly said. After the Sikh student filed a complaint, the Pakistani student was charged with hate crime and menacing, Mr. Kelly said.

Umair Ahmed, 17, was charged last week with two counts under hate crime statutes: unlawful imprisonment and menacing. He was also was charged with aggravated harassment, harassment and criminal possession of a weapon. More here: Cops: Sikh Student Victim Of Hate Crime. It's pretty appalling. This wasn't just a prank—it was a vicious attack on this kid's fundamental beliefs. If convicted, Ahmed could face up to seven years in prison.