NCCM condemns attacks in Brussels

(Ottawa – March 22, 2016) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties & advocacy organization, condemns today’s horrific attacks in Belgium following similar terror attacks in Turkey.

The terror group Daesh has claimed responsibility.

In a statement issued today, NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee said:

« Canadian Muslims categorically condemn these horrific attacks and all acts of terrorism wherever and whenever they occur. There is no justification of any kind for such criminal acts. We stand united with our fellow Canadians against violent extremism and hate and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Belgium and Turkey.

« Canadian Muslims are committed to working with law enforcement and all stakeholders to ensure that this violent ideology and those promoting it are confronted at every turn and are held to account. It is both a religious and civic duty to report criminal activities to the police.

« Canadian Muslim communities should also review their security measures and work with law enforcement to increase their vigilance during this volatile period. We ask elected officials to speak out against those who would use these attacks to stigmatize Canadian Muslims. According to a recent report from the Toronto Police Service, after the Paris attacks there was a notable increase in the number of hate crimes and hate incidents targeting Canadian Muslims and their institutions including the firebombing of a mosque and physical attacks on Muslim women in broad daylight.

« We urge community members to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious behaviour to the proper authorities, as well as to the NCCM. »

Further reading: NCCM Op-Ed – To combat extremism, we must work together

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.

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