May 23, 2014 - Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:
“Canada condemns the terrible bombings in Baghdad that have killed 33 Shia Muslim pilgrims.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this time of sorrow and mourning.
“We call on all parties to refrain from violence and to work together to de-escalate the situation and engage in a peaceful democratic process.
“Such violence, perpetrated against any faith community, must not be tolerated. Attacks on people who are seeking to practise their faith in peace and security are completely unacceptable and a clear violation of the right to religious freedom.
“Canada calls on the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for this gross violation of religious freedom and senseless act of violence directed against pilgrims in Iraq.”
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