Suburban Chicago hotel backs away from hosting controversial Muslim group

Illinois hotel backs out of hosting Muslim group

CHICAGO — A controversial Muslim group has canceled its annual U.S. conference after a suburban Chicago hotel backed out of hosting the event.

American members of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HIHZ’-buht-ah-tuh-REER’) planned to hold the event Sunday at a Marriott hotel in Oak Brook. Conference organizer Ayman Hamed says about 1,000 people were expected.

But he says the hotel sent a cancellation notice and refund without explanation about two weeks ago. The daylong event has drawn protesters in the past.

The group advocates establishing a worldwide Islamic state. Its members don’t openly advocate violence, and it isn’t considered a terrorist group by the U.S. government.

The hotel didn’t respond to calls and e-mails for comment.