Iman Chairman condemns attacks on Muslim shrines in Timbuktu by Islamist militants

Defiant Mali Islamists pursue wrecking of Timbuktu

Source: Reuters 2 July 2012

Al Qaeda-linked Islamists in Timbuktu broke down the door to a 15th century mosque on Monday that locals believed had to stay shut until the end of the world, defying international calls to halt the destruction of holy sites in the UNESCO-listed city.

In a third day of attacks on historic and religious landmarks that UNESCO has called "wanton destruction", the Islamists targeted the ancient Sidi Yahya mosque as they tried to erase traces of what they regard as un-Islamic idolatry.

"In legend, it is said that the main gate of Sidi Yahya mosque will not be opened until the last day (of the world)," Alpha Abdoulahi, the town imam, told Reuters by telephone.

Yet eight Islamist fighters had smashed down the door to the mosque early on Monday, saying they wanted to "destroy the mystery" of the ancient entrance, he said.

Islamists of the Ansar Dine group say the centuries-old shrines of the local Sufi version of Islam in Timbuktu are idolatrous. They have so far destroyed at least eight of 16 listed mausoleums in the city, together with a number of tombs.

Commenting on the attacks, Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of the Iman Foundation, said;

"I condemn these attacks on mosques and holy shrines. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and does not advocate the type of wanton attacks perpetrated by these Islamist militants. I urge the international community to take a strong stance against such attacks and the people who are behind them."