Al-Azhar condemns London terrorist attack

CAIRO – 19 June 2017: Al-Azhar strongly condemned the terror attack in London targeting Muslims on Monday. The attack took place after late-night prayers at the North London Mosque near Finsbury Park Station.

“We denounce this terrorist attack and urge European countries to take all the security measures needed in order to eliminate the Islamophobia phenomenon which puts Muslims all around the world in real danger,” Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb said in a statement.

On Monday, at least 10 civilians were hit by a van after finishing their late-night prayers at the mosque. British Police considered the incident a terrorist attack, adding that all the victims were Muslims.

The 48 year old attacker was later arrested later being seen by eyewitnesses. He was identified later by the police as a right wing racist hostile toward Muslims and immigrants.

London mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the attack, saying that more security measures will be added to the mosques in London during Ramadan. “This is a truly horrific terrorist attack on our city that deliberately targeted innocent Londoners,” Khan said.

Al-Azhar offered condolences to the victims’ families.

A similar terrorist attack took place on June 3, 2017. On that day, three attackers drove their van into pedestrians on the London Bridge. According to police, eight people were killed and 48 were injured.