MWL condemns persecution of Muslims in Myanmar

The General Secretariat of the Muslim World League (MWL) denounced campaigns of violence and persecution targeting Muslims in Myanmar and condemned the recent outrageous attacks against Muslims living in the state of Rangoon (Arakan) adjacent to the Republic of Bangladesh, where the armed groups of Buddhists on Sunday (20/7/1433 H), raided the neighborhoods of the Muslims and killed dozens of them and demolished many homes, mosques and private property of Muslims. This came in a statement issued by MWL Secretary General Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul- Mohsen Al-Turki. Dr. Al-Turki said that Muslims living in Myanmar, have been persecuted for the last fifteen years and they are deprived of citizenship rights and suffer most from the policy of discrimination that denied them the right of naturalization, making them vulnerable to acts of violence and persecution, expulsion and displacement. He called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to follow up the situation of Muslims in Myanmar and to make representations to the United Nations and human rights organizations to end the injustice they suffer and give them the full rights of citizenship, and equality of rights and duties with the other citizens of Myanmar. Dr. Al-Turki urged Islamic charity organizations to rescue Muslims in Myanmar, particularly those whose children were killed and homes demolished, and to provide urgent aid to them. He called on the government of Bangladesh to receive the Muslims fleeing from Myanmar because of persecution and protect them based on Islamic brotherhood and support for the oppressed.