National Muslim advocacy organization denounces Nairobi attacks

Urges government to ensure safety of Canadians

– For Immediate Release –

(Ottawa – September 22, 2013) A prominent Canadian Muslim advocacy organization has categorically condemned the recent terrorist attack on a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya which claimed the lives of two Canadians and dozens of others.

In a statement released today, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said:

“Canadian Muslims categorically denounce and repudiate this act of terror against innocent people in Kenya which has also claimed the lives of two fellow Canadians including a diplomat serving her country abroad.

“We emphasize the sacredness of life and reject any express statement or tacit insinuation that anyone should harm innocent people. Our message to anyone who espouses this ideology of violence is that you have nothing to do with our faith.

“We call on the federal government to take all measures to ensure the safety of Canadians in Nairobi. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Canadians lost in this vicious attack, and with the families of the other victims.”

In July 2005, NCCM coordinated a national statement by Canadian Imams which condemned terrorism and religious extremism. In August 2010, the Canadian Council of Imams issued another declaration echoing the same message.

CONTACT: Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, 613.853.4111

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