Canada Condemns Brutal Killing of Priest in Syria

News Release

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**July 1, 2013 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement condemning recent sectarian violence in Syria:

"Canada is appalled by reports of the beheading of Roman Catholic priest Father François Murad, a Franciscan friar, and others near Gassanieh in northern Syria. This followed an attack on the monastery where Father Murad was staying.

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms violent extremism in all its forms. Acts of terror such as the senseless murder of these innocent victims must not go unpunished.

Canada's Ambassador for Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett added:

“Canada will continue to push for pluralist democratic development in Syria that protects the rights of all Syrians, regardless of faith to live in peace.

“We encourage the Syrian authorities to do their utmost to find and prosecute those responsible for these cowardly acts and to stem the rising tide of sectarian violence."