An international human rights barrister from No5 Chambers has backed Birmingham Central Mosque’s call for the release of British hostage Alan Henning.
The city mosque has made a plea to ISIS extremists to release Mr Henning and any other individuals held captive in Syria.
No5's Ramby De Mello, said: “The crimes committed by ISIS to date and the threats they issue are an outrage against Islam and humanity.
“I am not inclined to give ISIS the oxygen of publicity they crave and revel in, but all who uphold the word of law and have any spark of human decency must make a stand against these kidnappings and beheadings perpetrated in the name of religion.
“Civilised countries must unite to exert pressure on these captors to release all hostages they hold and to voice their opposition to and disapproval of abductions and kidnapping of civilians in the name of religious pursuits.”
Mr De Mello was echoing a plea made by Birmingham Central Mosque.
Mohammed Afzal, general secretary of Birmingham Central Mosque, said: “We call upon ISIS to adhere to the renowned Islamic universal principles of showing mercy to Mr Henning who is a non-combatant and non-political. He is simply a charity aid worker with humanitarian basic concerns.
“Un-Islamic ISIS presents a significant threat to all Muslims and our faith. By destroying our history, preying on vulnerable fellow Muslims with this twisted ideology and breaking our traditions they are presenting a version of Islam that is alien to us.”
“The Birmingham Central Mosque urges all Muslims who are British citizens and might have any influence over the captors to make all efforts to secure the release of the hostages and to ensure that no harm comes to them.”
