The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM), an umbrella association of the greater Montreal area Sunni mosques and Islamic organisations, expresses its sadness and serious concern for the kidnapping of four members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Iraq.

MCM fully acknowledges the plight of the Iraqi prisoners and the suffering of the Iraqi people under foreign occupation. Nonetheless, we plea with those holding Tom Fox, Norman Kembler, James Looney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden to set them free.

MCM considers Christian Peacemaker Teams true friends and unwavering supporters who have sided by the Muslim community in Canada, in its quest to uphold values of social justice and civil liberties, and more specifically after September 11 2001.

Members of MCM recognises CPT strong reputation and strong commitment to justice and peace, and we are aware that CPT has taken positions against the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the occupation of Palestine, and the mistreatment of Muslims in Canada. In addition, CPT has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for the Islamic faith and for the right of all peoples to self-determination. They do not work in the service of any government, nor do they accept money from any government.

In Iraq, MCM has learned that the four CPT members have advocated for the freedom of the prisoners of the occupation forces, have assisted families to find their missing loved ones, and have been invaluable in documenting abuse and torture suffered at the hands of occupation forces.

Moreover, the work of CPT has been invaluable in informing North Americans about the abuses that are taking place daily in Iraq. Hindering or preventing this information flow will be a great loss to the Iraqi people and their supporters.

In light of the above, and as a humanitarian action obligated by God on all of us, and in appreciation for their work in Palestine and Iraq as witnesses, and their solidarity with the Muslim community in Canada, MCM appeals to you to set free the four members of CPT unharmed.

Furthermore, MCM urges all concerned organizations and governments to practice cautions and restraints in their action to secure the safe release of the captives, and to work hard toward an end to the suffering of the Iraqi people and the occupation of the country.

Note: This statement has been coordinated between several Muslim Organizations in Canada.