Canadian Islamic Congress – Media Communique – July 28, 2011 28/07/11

THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS — MEDIA COMMUNIQUÉ

July 28, 2011

For immediate release

ISLAMIC CONGRESS DENOUNCES HATE-MOTIVATED NORWAY ATTACK AND CALLS FOR RENEWED VIGILANCE AGAINST GLOBAL ISLAMOPHOBIA

As search and rescue authorities continue to probe for victims amid shattered buildings in the core of Norway’s capital city of Oslo and comb the area around an island youth camp in the wake of last Friday’s horrific twin bombing and massacre, the Canadian Islamic Congress has called for renewed efforts to eliminate global Islamophobic terrorism.

What self-proclaimed sole perpetrator Anders Breivik did in his openly declared quest to rid Europe of Muslims, “was a vicious and irrational act of hatred, not only against the people of Islam but also against his own country,” stated CIC national president Mrs. Wahida Valiante. “He has stolen forever from Norway its innocence and good name as a nation devoted to advocating world peace.”

“Terrorism killings, hate-crimes and intentional anti-Muslim media bias are in no way tools for change or progress,” she continued. “In fact, these heinous trends in our society serve only to undermine humanity and lead to increased fear, intolerance and division, instead of motivating dialogue and understanding.”

The CIC wholly condemns the hate-motivated ideology of Breivik and those who share the belief that their goals can be achieved by killing scores of innocent people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. (The toll in Norway, revised several times since last weekend, now stands at more than 70 adults and children dead.)

Along with numerous faith-based and humanitarian organizations worldwide, Canadian Muslims call for a renewed global campaign against the causes and promoters of Islamophobic terrorism.

“We can no longer afford to give in to the obscene message of deliberate planned violence, anywhere in the world,” Mrs. Valiante concluded.

CONTACTS:

Mrs. Wahida Valiante – President, Canadian Islamic Congress
Cell: (647) 802-8024

Dr. Amin Elshorbagy – Vice-President, Canadian Islamic Congress
Cell: (306) 241-6757

THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
877 Shefford Road
Ottawa, ON K1J 8H9