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US judges review broad surveillance of Muslims by NYC police

Kameelah Rashad demonstrates Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, outside the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. The 3rd U.S. Circout Court is scheduled to weigh an appeal of N.J. decision that allows New York City police to spy on Muslim communities in the city and elsewhere. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Kameelah Rashad demonstrates Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, outside the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. The 3rd U.S. Circout Court is scheduled to weigh an appeal of N.J. decision that allows New York City police to spy on Muslim communities in the city and elsewhere. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – A federal appeals court appears concerned that the New York Police Department may have spied on Muslim groups solely because of their religion.

The three-judge panel in Philadelphia is reviewing a lawsuit that claims police conducted broad surveillance on Muslim businesses, mosques and schools in New Jersey.

A lower court judge had thrown out the lawsuit.

But the 3rd Circuit judges questioned Tuesday why the surveillance wasn’t targeted. And they said any drop in business or mosque attendance would amount to real harm.

The judges didn’t immediately rule.