Libyan PM condemns edict of rival authorities on prayers

Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-22 05:46:52|Editor: yan
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TRIPOLI, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj on Friday condemned a religious edict issued by the Supreme Fatwa Committee of the rival eastern-based government that forbids followers of Ibadi doctrine to lead prayers.

"I renew my strong rejection for the call of exaggeration and insulting and targeting religious doctrines, as happened a few days ago against the Ibadi doctrine," Serraj said in a statement on Friday.

"Islam is a religion of love, brotherhood and tolerance. It is a religion of mercy and peace. Our Libyan society is loving and interconnected with all its components. It knows only compassion, unity and communication despite all crisis," the statement said.

The Supreme Fatwa Committee of the eastern-based government issued a religious fatwa or edict on July 9, forbidding prayers led by Ibadis, a religious faith mostly followed by the Amazigh minority.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday condemned the fatwa. "Religious authorities in Libya should stop pandering to extremists by castigating minorities in incendiary language," Said Eric Goldstein, HRW deputy Middle East and North Africa director.

"The Interim Government should repudiate this dangerous edict and affirm that all faiths and sects deserve tolerance and equal protection," Goldstein added.

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