MJC condemns Paris massacre
The Muslim Judicial Council SA (MJC) on Saturday condemned the wave of terror attacks in Paris, France, in which at least 153 people reportedly died on Friday night.
“It is with shock and sadness that we witness the horrific shootings and suicide bombings which resulted in the death of 118 patrons and the wounding of several at the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris,” MJC president Maulana Ihsaan Hendricks said.
The MJC conveyed its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the French people, President Francois Hollande, and to all those who lost loved ones during the violent attacks.
“We condemn these senseless, violent, and callous acts of aggression against innocent civilians. Unscrupulous barbaric acts of vengeance has no place in society. All efforts towards bringing lasting peace and good relations should be pursued in order to ensure that revenge and tit-for-tat attacks do not become the order of the day.
“We hope and pray that the perpetrators will be held fully accountable for this heinous crime and that they will realise that violence does not lead to peace. Peace cannot be achieved through unjust, violent, indiscriminate killings but rather through justice, fairness, respect, tolerance, and good relations,” Hendricks said.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma, as well as the Democratic Alliance, sent messages of condolences to Hollande and the French people.
South Africa condemned “this terrorist attack in the strongest terms possible”. “We absolutely condemn it in the strongest terms possible,” the international relations and co-operation department reportedly said. Terrorism had to be fought at all costs.
Various media reports said there had been international condemnation of the wave of attacks in Paris, which started when gunmen stormed the Bataclan Theatre during a concert, shooting at people present. Reports said 112 people were dead before police and military stormed the building.
At least six other attacks by gunmen and suicide bombers were targeted at restaurants, clubs, and a soccer match at the Stade De France, killing at least 40 people.
Hollande has reportedly closed France’s borders and declared a state of emergency.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State is a prime suspect according to security analysts.
ANA
Photo: AFP