Muslim communities must “shout out” against violent terrorists who “tarnish their religion”, former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson has said. But Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Iqbal Sacranie told BBC News: “British Muslims have repeatedly made clear they condemn acts of terrorism absolutely. Islam categorically forbids the taking of innocent lives.”
It was “odd” Lord Robertson had made this “surprising and unfortunate” call to Muslims rather than to the countries continuing the “illegal war against Iraq … in defiance of world opinion”, Mr Sacranie added. “This war has killed thousands of civilians and given rise in Iraq to the terrible crimes Lord Robertson wants us all to condemn.”