Two southwest suburban men are charged with felony hate crime and robbery for allegedly attacking a woman and shouting anti-gay slurs at her in June, according to a press release from the Cook County State's Attorney issued Aug. 3.
Mohammad Shaban, 35, of Hickory Hills and Oak Lawn resident Akram Alshoweat, 22, could each receive seven years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors said that on June 28, the victim entered a Hickory Hills restaurant when the suspects shouted at her in Arabic. Translations revealed the shouted statements to be anti-gay slurs and other disparaging remarks.
When the victim left the restaurant, the defendants allegedly punched and kicked her. In addition, they reportedly took her keys, wallet and cell phone.
Initially, Hickory Hills Police charged Shaban and Alshoweat with misdemeanor battery. However, the state's attorney's office upgraded the charges after reviewing the incident.
Last week, Alshoweat appeared in court; his bond was set at $200,000. Shaban turned himself in to authorities Aug. 3; his bond was $150,000.
Both defendants are slated to appear Aug. 17 in Bridgeview for a preliminary hearing.