Mr Hassan was the founder of the television network where the body of Aasiya Hassan, 37, was found. Bridges TV was set up in 2004 as a news and opinion channel intended to act as a counter to violent images of Islamic violence and extremism. Mrs Hassan also worked for the network and was known to have filed for divorce a number times citing numerous incidents of domestic violence.

Meanwhile, in light of the murder, numerous fans of the network have come out in criticism of the press reaction and worldwide attention. An anonymous Muslim gentleman questioned why the beheading of an insolent wife was anything more than a minor offence. “Okay! Okay! it created a mess and I feel sorry for the carpet cleaner but let’s not get this out of proportion. He tried to instil discipline in her for years but what can you do?”

Shortly after the opening of Bridges TV, Muzzammil Hassan said of the new enterprise that “it is hoped the programming will help non-Muslims overcome the negative images they may have of both Muslims and Islam”.

The network has not gone without notice amongst critics after many dubious guests were found to have incited hatred against Jews and other non-Muslims. The Middle East Media and Research Institute (MEMRI) reported:

“One religious figure who appeared October 3 said Muslims have a duty to change America and to increase their numbers to 50% of the population from 2%. He recommended that Shariah, or Islamic law, be implemented in American courts. During a roundtable discussion on the Arab-Israeli conflict on October 5, one participant offered a solution: “For the Jews to leave and return to Europe.”

Muslim leaders across the United States have urged people not to associate the beheading with Islam which they repeat is a ‘religion of peace’. An Imam from the city of Chicago urged the general population not to think ill of the Islamic faith which “does not call for the murder of wives or unbelievers … unless the wife still doesn’t make the tea after a dozen thrashings … or the unbelievers are Jews, homosexuals, polytheists or atheists”.

Orchard Park police has refused to give further details about the crime but it is believed Aasiya Hassan died where she was found. The murder weapon has yet to be discovered. Muzzammil Hassan is scheduled to appear at a felony hearing in Orchard Park on Wednesday the 18th of February to determine bail.

The future of Bridges TV network is uncertain but it’s hoped by the US Islamic community that a number of other stations in the same mould will spring up, as well as the possibility of soon-to-be-built mosques and Islamic schools being named after Muzzammil Hassan.

“We are being attacked yet again!” said a masked protester outside the courthouse. “A number of derogatory comments have been made about Muslims. It’s very upsetting. Bridges TV gave us a voice in America and just because of a good man’s house duties, we are again being marginalised!”

Last year Muzzammil Hassan gave an interview in which he said: “The level of ignorance regarding Muslims and Islam is very high in the United States and it will take a lot of time for non-Muslim Americans to realize that they and their Muslim neighbors share many of the same values.”

Only time will tell, after his latest domestic incident, whether people will take heed of his words and if the perception of Islam will improve over the coming months amongst the general American society.