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Charity calls for David Haines release in Syria | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The aid agency which employs a British man who is being held hostage in Syria has called for him to be released. | |
David Haines, 44, from Perth, was kidnapped last year while helping French agency Acted deliver humanitarian aid. He is being held by Islamic State (IS) militants. | |
Acted said it strongly condemned the "violence and threats" against him. | |
It came as Imams across Scotland called for all hostages to be freed. | |
IS has already beheaded two American journalists, posting the evidence on the internet in gruesome videos featuring a masked jihadist with a British accent. | |
Acted said it was "deeply shocked" by images of Mr Haines which were broadcast earlier this week, and said threats to his life were "intolerable". | |
The aid agency added: "David has been working as a humanitarian since 1999, helping victims of conflict in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East. | |
"When he was taken hostage in March 2013, David was in Syria as part of Acted's humanitarian effort in support of tens of thousands of people affected by the crisis. | |
"We have been mobilized from day one with David's family. More than ever, we are pursuing our efforts, and our thoughts are with David and his family. | |
"Acted strongly condemns the violence and threats against David. A man's life should never be threatened on account of his humanitarian commitment. Once again, we call upon the immediate release of David." | |
Imams across Scotland are using Friday prayers to reiterate their opposition to extremism and call for all hostages to be released. | Imams across Scotland are using Friday prayers to reiterate their opposition to extremism and call for all hostages to be released. |
'Serious harm' | |
They urged young Muslims not to travel to Syria or Iraq or to support extremist groups. | |
A joint statement from the Muslim Council of Scotland and Glasgow's Central Mosque said: "The Scottish Muslim community unequivocally condemns the barbaric actions of IS (formerly known as ISIS). | A joint statement from the Muslim Council of Scotland and Glasgow's Central Mosque said: "The Scottish Muslim community unequivocally condemns the barbaric actions of IS (formerly known as ISIS). |
"The actions of IS are against the teachings of Islam and therefore supporting or joining such an organisation is unacceptable. | "The actions of IS are against the teachings of Islam and therefore supporting or joining such an organisation is unacceptable. |
"We urge all our young people in particular not to travel to Iraq or Syria to support or fight with IS. | "We urge all our young people in particular not to travel to Iraq or Syria to support or fight with IS. |
"Their actions not only cause serious harm in those countries, but also cause harm to their families here in Scotland and the wider Muslim community." | "Their actions not only cause serious harm in those countries, but also cause harm to their families here in Scotland and the wider Muslim community." |