OIC deeply concerned over the targeting of Muslims in Sri Lanka

<p>The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its deep concern over the increased targeting of Muslims in Sri Lanka during the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>In a statement, the OIC “expressed its deep concern over reports on escalating hate speech and hostility towards Muslims in Sri Lanka, the promotion of biased and rejected allegations holding members of the Muslim community responsible for the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country as well as reports that authorities cremated bodies of the Muslim victims of the pandemic and arrested community members who rejected these practices.”</p> <p>The OIC called on the Sri Lankan authorities to “ensure the safety, security and rights of the Muslim community, as well as commitment to respect their religious practices and rituals, safeguard their dignity and to stand firmly against all parties behind the promotion of hatred, Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka.”</p> <p>See their full statement <a href="https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=23386&amp;t_ref=13999&amp;lan=en">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>