Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Dialogue Committee and Vice-Chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (“IUMS”), called for the release of the detained French journalist in Iraq, Florence Aubenas, and her translator, Hussain Hanun.

In a statement issued by the Committee, a copy of which was obtained by Islam Today, Sheikh Bin Bayyah said: “The Dialogue Committee, which is joined to the IUMS, calls for the abidance of teachings from our true religion that forbid attacking peaceful people and enjoin kindness and justice to them.”

The eminent Sheikh then emphasized that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade murdering women. The statement thus asked the noble resisters in Iraq to release Florence Aubenas as soon as possible: “As this is for the interest of humanity, Islam, and Muslims, especially for those living in France and Europe who might otherwise be severely harmed.”

Florence Aubenas, a journalist working for the French newspaper, Libération, disappeared in Baghdad at the beginning of last January. This took place only two weeks after the release of two French journalists, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, who were detained for four months.