A Malaysian was investigated by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation after he and his friends were spotted with what a complainant claimed was an American flag "desecrated by ISIS insignia."
However, Munir Zainal, who works as an engineer with Spirit Aerosystems in Kansas, was actually holding a Malaysian flag.
Following the incident, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed a suit against the Spirit Boeing Employees' Association (SBEA), which had reported Munir the FBI.
According to a filing with the US District Court for the District of Kansas, Zainal had on Sept 2, 2017 rented space at SBEA's recreational lake in South Wichita, Kansas, to host a party for 45 guests celebrating the end of Ramadhan.
As it was only two days after Merdeka Day, Zanial's friend had brought along a Malaysian flag, with which the group had taken turns to pose for photos.
The filing claimed a park ranger had made a report to SBEA alleging that Zanial and his guest were "in possession of an ISIS flag" during the party.
SBEA, an association for Spirit Aerosystems employees, then forwarded the complaint to the FBI.
"On Oct 17, 2017, FBI special agent Tracy Jenkins notified Zanial that the investigation had been initiated in response to a report made by SBEA regarding an incident that occurred at SBEA's recreational lake.
"Special agent Jenkins explained that a SBEA 'groundskeeper' had observed a 'group dressed in Muslim garb' and 'an American flag desecrated with ISIS symbols'.
"Special Agent Jenkins explained that through an open source search, he was able to determine the desecrated flag was a Malaysian flag. He expressed intent to recommend closing the investigation," said the filing.
However, the filing said SBEA later informed Zanial that his association benefits had been restricted, and was prevented from renting facilities at the lake.
"Zanial continues to experience stress and anxiety relating to the FBI investigation.
He is concerned that the investigation could affect his lawful permanent resident status.
"He also feels distressed and humiliation based on this experience of being singled out because of his ethnicity, race, and religion," said the filing. -Mkini
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