September 24, 2014 - Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:
“Canada deplores ISIL’s destruction of the Armenian Holy Martyrs church in Dayr az-Za, Syria, and the adjacent Museum of the Holy Martyrs, a memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide that housed the remains of many of those killed in 1915.
“The deliberate and barbarous destruction of another holy site again reveals the true nature of ISIL and its agenda, which is driven by hate and intolerance. ISIL’s actions continue to demonstrate a gross contempt for human dignity and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion.
“ISIL attacks are indiscriminate, targeting Christians, Yazidis, Shia and Sunni Muslims and their places of worship.
“Canada continues to condemn this terrorist group, which has distorted and warped the message of Islam and murdered thousands of innocents.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Twitter: @FreedomReligion and @DFATDCanada
Facebook: Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom
