Woolwich attack: British imams condemn act

Nearly 100 British imams have signed a letter condemning the attack on Lee Rigby. Picture: PA

They offered their condolences to the family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby and called for communities to “remain calm and vigilant”.

Their letter reads: “We share the absolute horror felt by the rest of British society at the sick and barbaric crime committed in the name of our religion. We condemn this heinous atrocity in the strongest possible terms.

“It is a senseless act of pure depravity worthy of nothing but contempt. There can be no justification for murder.”

It was signed by 94 imams, including Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

It said imams and Muslim organisations had spoken out “over the evils of terrorism” for many years, but recent events showed they could not afford to be complacent.

The imams also criticised some incidents in the aftermath of the killing. “Already we have seen extremists seeking to capitalise upon Wednesday’s terrible act. There have been several attacks reported against mosques and Muslim citizens,” they wrote. “The hate-fuelled individuals behind such attacks wish to polarise and tear apart our great country for their own sick ends. They should be isolated and subject to the full force of the law.”

They added: “We the British people are not so easily fooled; nor are we so easily divided.”