THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
MEDIA COMMUNIQUE
Jan. 20, 2006
CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS REJECTS LATEST BIN LADEN TAPE
-- DOES NOT DESERVE EXPOSURE AND ONLY INCREASES GLOBAL ISLAMPHOBIA
The Canadian Islamic Congress has quickly condemned the latest tape
claiming to be from Osama bin Laden, calling it "another perverted attempt
to defile the name of God and to increase global Islamophobia."
The audio tape, aired yesterday morning by the Arabic satellite TV network
Al-Jazeera, threatens more London-style bombings against major American
cities saying, "it's only a matter of time." The voice continues, "you will
see them in the heart of your land as soon as the planning is complete, God
willing."
CIC is urging an uncompromising and proactive stance against this and all
other threats purporting to be from bin Laden.
"Those who use the name of God to spread hatred and fear in this way are
desecrating the true faith of Islam and do not deserve media attention,"
said CIC in a statement. "They have no place in our mosques, schools,
Islamic centres, or in any part of society."
CIC urged Canadian Muslims to be vigilant and to work with their own
congregations, as well as community groups and law enforcement agencies to
counteract the disinformation spread by terror groups who use the media to
further their destructive agendas.
"It is of absolute importance for all to know -- Muslims and non-Muslims
alike -- that Osama bin Laden and those who use terror in the name of our
religion have absolutely no authority or legitimacy. They have defiled the
core Islamic and Qur'anic teaching that innocent lives must not be used to
advance any agenda, under any circumstances," CIC statement concluded.
CONTACTS:
Dr. Mohamed Elmasry
(519) 746-4107 (O)
(519) 498-1350 (Cell)
e-mail: np@canadianislamiccongress.com
Mrs. Wahida Valiante
(905) 771-1023
e-mail: nvp@canadianislamiccongress.com