Statement issued by local Muslim group
Local Muslims have condemned the Woolwich murder of off-duty soldier Lee Rigby, calling it a "barbaric and horrific act".
The British Muslim Association of Merton have issued the following statement:
"The British Muslim Association of Merton (BMAM) strongly condemns the barbaric and horrific act of the two so-called Muslims, who murdered an off - duty British soldier in Woolwich, London on May 22. The whole Muslim community in Britain is shocked and horrified by their heinous act.
Any claim by the killers to be acting in the name of Islam and invoking God’s name by saying ‘Allaho Akbar’ while committing a murderous crime, offends all Muslims.
We pledge not to let their criminal actions define Islam, which is a religion of peace. The killers and their accomplices should be punished according to the British Law.
Nearly all the Muslims in the UK are law abiding people. There is a tiny minority of misguided individuals who commit criminal actions which are not permitted in Islam.
The British Muslim Association of Merton calls upon the Muslim Community to unite against such criminals, and to reject any attempts which destroy our social harmony and peaceful existing in the UK.
We offer our sincere condolences and express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased."
May 27, 2013