Muslim scholars union urges ban on Islamophobia

Members of the Canterbury United Pride soccer team pay tribute to their goal keeper who died at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque attack on March 15, in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 17, 2019 [Peter Adones / Anadolu Agency]

The International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has called on non-Muslim countries to ban Islamophobia, following the killing of dozens of people on a deadly attack on two mosques in New Zealand.

“IUMS calls on non-Muslim countries to ban the spread of hatred against Islam and Muslims,” IUMS President Ahmed al-Raisouni said in a statement at the conclusion of a 2-day session held in Istanbul on Friday.

At least 49 Muslims were killed when a gunman opened fire on worshippers during the weekly Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand.

Al-Azhar: New Zealand massacre result of Islamophobia

The gunman shot dead 49 people and wounded more than 40 in Christchurch on Friday, broadcasting footage of the attack on one of the mosques on Facebook. He also posted a “manifesto” online, which was removed shortly after the attack.

Al-Raisouni called on New Zealander authorities to fulfill their responsibility toward bringing the perpetrators of the criminal attack to justice.

He also called Muslims in New Zealand not to prejudice against the local community and let the issue be settled by law.

Read: Erdogan says New Zealand mosque attacker targeted Turkey

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