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Family Of Muslim Marine Recruit Speaks Out About His Death

Raheel Siddiqui (second from left), a Muslim Marine recruit who died in March 2016 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina, stands with his father Masood (far right), mother Ghazala (far left) and sister Sidra (second from right). (Courtesy of the Siddiqui family)

The death of Raheel Siddiqui on March 18, 2016, focused a spotlight on alleged hazing in the U.S. Marine Corps. Siddiqui, who was a 20 year-old recruit, had been at boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, for just 11 days before he leapt three stories to his death, according to reported accounts from other recruits.

Many of those accounts also include allegations that Siddiqui was targeted and abused by his drill instructors in part because he was a Muslim. Since the event, 20 Marines have been relieved of duty and face punishment. The official autopsy ruled Siddiqui’s death a suicide,

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