 "Sydney crisis: Australia's top Muslim cleric condemns hostage situation")
Sydney: Australia’s top Muslim cleric has condemned the Sydney cafe hostage taking, saying it is “denounced in Islam”.
Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the country’s grand mufti, said the Muslim community was “devastated” by the hostage situation, where an armed man, showing Islamic flags, took over 30 as hostages in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, Xinhua reported.
Advertisement
“The grand mufti and the Australian National Imams Council condemn this criminal act unequivocally and reiterate that such actions are denounced in part and in whole in Islam,” a statement said.
Sydney’s Muslim leaders earlier met to offer help to authorities in the face of the unfolding hostage drama.
Until now, five hostages have escaped from the cafe.
IANS
 "This Week in Explainers: Why South Korea's incentives to women to have babies isn't working")
 "Australian govt upset as Meta announces to deprecate Facebook News, stop journalism funding deals")
 "Australia invites China's Wang Yi to visit next month in latest sign of thawing relations")
 "Australia: Thousands told to evacuate as heat wave increases bushfire threat")
 "This Week in Explainers: Why South Korea's incentives to women to have babies isn't working")
 "Australian govt upset as Meta announces to deprecate Facebook News, stop journalism funding deals")
 "Australia invites China's Wang Yi to visit next month in latest sign of thawing relations")
 "Australia: Thousands told to evacuate as heat wave increases bushfire threat")