January 29, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 28, 1426

NEW YORK, Jan 28: A Muslim civil liberties group sought an apology on Thursday from the host of a Los Angeles-area radio show for making fun of the stampede that killed hundreds of Muslims during the Haj.

The Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) sought the apology from KFI-AM 640 host Bill Hande who allegedly made fun of the deaths during a Jan 12 progtamme.

According to CAIR, Mr Handel first imitated the Hajis’ moans and wails and then joked that the Saudi government should use a helicopter to monitor pilgrimage traffic, as is done in Los Angeles with the freeways.

“The deaths of hundreds of people engaged in a religious observance is no laughing matter,” CAIR spokeswoman Sabiha Khan said in a statement. “KFI needs to distance itself from Mr Handel’s unbelievable insensitivity by issuing a formal apology and a reprimand.”