Two southwest suburban men have each been indicted on armed robbery, robbery and hate-crime charges in connection with an attack on a woman in June, according to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
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.
They are scheduled to be arraigned on their cases Sept. 3 in Bridgeview.