New York (dpa) – The founder of a Muslim television station in the United States has been charged with murder after allegedly decapitating his wife, the channel’s website and local media reported Tuesday.
Muzzammil Hassan, 44, was arrested Thursday after informing police that his wife’s body was located at the Bridges TV office outside Buffalo in Orchard Park, New York. Police arrived to find Aasiya Zubair Hassan, 37, had been decapitated, the Buffalo News reported.
Muzzammil, who founded Bridges TV in 2004 to counter images of Muslim violence and extremism, faces second degree murder charges.
“Bridges TV is deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of Aasiya (Zubair) Hassan and subsequent arrest of Muzzammil Hassan,” the TV station said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the families of the victim. We request that their right to privacy be respected.”
Hassan founded the station with his wife but the two had reportedly become estranged and were seeking a divorce.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) – February 17, 2009
Copyright 2009 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH