Muslim scholars union urges ban on Islamophobia

ISTANBUL

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.

Four suspects -- three men and one woman -- have been detained. One suspected has been reportedly released.

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.

Writing by Mahmoud Barakat