NCCM denounces ‘depraved’ Boko Haram kidnapping and threat to ‘sell captives’

-For Immediate Release-

(Ottawa – May 6, 2014)  A prominent Canadian Muslim civil liberties & advocacy organization has denounced the recent kidnapping and captivity of over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram, which has claimed responsibility and called the girls « slaves to be sold ».

The incident has justifiably sparked an international outcry at the severe plight of the young girls.

While the National Council of Canadian Muslims’ (NCCM) mandate focuses on domestic issues around human rights and civil liberties, the group says the developments in Nigeria are repugnant to Canadian Muslims and call for universal condemnation.

« We categorically condemn the un-Islamic and abhorrent acts of this terrorist group who continue to pervert our faith and sordidly attempt to justify their depraved behaviour, » says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

« Boko Haram is in no way representative of Muslims or the Islamic faith and we note that Nigerian Muslims have widely denounced this terror group. We hope all steps are taken to rescue the girls and to bring Boko Haram to justice. »

CONTACT:

Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, 613.254.9704 or 613.853.4111

Amy Awad, Human Rights Coordinator, 613.254.9704