PRESS RELEASE
March 7, 2008

Mirch Says Jihadi Terrorist Exhibit Should Be Stopped

Majority Leader Robert Mirch said he is disgusted that a Troy organization would agree to host an exhibition that includes the portrayal of a suicide bomber sent to assassinate the President.

Mirch said he is organizing a protest of the “Virtual Jihadi” exhibition scheduled for the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy for Monday night at 5:30 p.m. Mirch said he is hopeful the Sanctuary will abandon plans for the exhibition.

The “Virtual Jihadi” exhibit was originally scheduled for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute but was dropped earlier this week because of concerns over portrayals of terrorist activity. In “Virtual Jihadi”, the artist portrays himself as a suicide bomber sent to kill President Bush.

“It is completely inappropriate for any organization in Troy to stage an exhibit that features a portrayal of suicide bomber sent to kill the president. The Sanctuary for Independent Media should cancel this exhibit immediately,” said Mirch.

“Allowing for the portrayal of the assassination of a president to be staged is wrong, un-American and destructive. I support free speech, but this exhibit goes beyond the bounds of what is decent or acceptable,” added Mirch.

Mirch said he has spoken with many city and county residents who are upset the exhibit is scheduled to be staged next week following the cancellation by RPI.

“I have been contacted by many Troy residents who are outraged that this exhibit is being given a home in our city and I am calling on those residents and anyone else to join me in protesting the exhibit on Monday,” said Mirch.

Mirch said he will lead the protest at 5:30 p.m. outside the Sanctuary for Independent Media located on Sixth Avenue.

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