Religious figures in Turkey jointly condemn terrorism

ANKARA

Religious figures in Turkey on Saturday jointly condemned terrorism.

The head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, Mehmet Gormez, Orthodox Christian Patriarch Bartholomew I and Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva issued a joint declaration.

“From wherever and whomever it comes, terror and violence cannot be displayed as a legitimate thing and it cannot be supported,” they said.

“Those who have faith in them cannot approve any killing, as murdering a human being is no different than murdering the whole humanity.”

Friday night saw military elements attempt to overthrow the government. Around 160 were martyred in the ensuing violence, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said.

“We hope terror will be wiped out from Turkey and the world,” the statement added. “May God protect our country and all humanity.”