U.S. to Freeze Assets of Islamic Charity

The U.S. Treasury Department last week took steps to freeze all assets of the International Islamic Relief Organization held in the United States, as well as in Indonesia and the Philippines, reports the Associated Press.

The government says the group, which is located in Saudi Arabia, has financed Al Qaeda terrorist acts. Americans are prohibited from doing business with, and sending money to, the organization.

Stuart Levey, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, told the Associated Press, “It is particularly shameful when groups that hold themselves out as charitable or religious organizations defraud their donors or divert funds in support of violent terrorist groups.”

The article did not include a response from the relief organization.