October 20, 2014 - Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:
“Canada condemns the targeted killings of Iraqi Shiite Muslim worshippers in Baghdad today and of Shiite Muslims as they attended a funeral in western Baghdad on Sunday. These barbaric attacks, which claimed the lives of several dozen innocent civilians and wounded many more, are reprehensible, gross violations of human life and dignity.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and to those injured in the attacks.
“Attacks on Muslims or members of any religious community seeking to practise their faith in peace and security are completely unacceptable.
“Canada views religious and interfaith dialogue as central to the promotion of reconciliation between Iraq’s various communities, as well as to the promotion of long-term peace and stability throughout the region.
“Canada has made the protection of religious communities and the promotion of pluralism a foreign policy priority, and we will continue to be an outspoken ally of freedom around the world.”
For more information, please visit Canada’s Response to the Situation in Iraq.
- 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
