MWL flays persecution of Muslims in Myanmar

MAKKAH — The Muslim World League (MWL) has denounced the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and condemned the recent outrageous attacks and violence against Muslims in the northwestern Arakan state bordering Bangladesh.

In a statement Wednesday, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki, Secretary General of the MWL, criticized this week’s raid on Muslim areas by armed Buddhist groups in which dozens of Muslims were killed, several homes demolished and many mosques vandalized.

Dr. Al-Turki said Muslims in Myanmar have been persecuted for the last 15 years; they are deprived of citizenship rights and suffer most from the policy of discrimination denying 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.

Dr. Al-Turki urged Islamic charity organizations to help Muslims in Myanmar by providing 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.
Reports said Bangladesh has turned away three boats carrying 1,000 fleeing Muslims, bringing to 1,500 the number of refugees intercepted in recent days. — SG/SPA