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Angered Citizens Threaten Mosque in Seoul
Police on Wednesday beefed up security around the Islam mosque in Seoul after some people, agitated by the death of the South Korean hostage Kim Sun-il on Tuesday in Iraq, made threats on Muslims. Cho Min-haeng, an official of the Islam mosque in Hannam-dong in Seoul, said he received several phone calls from early in the morning from people threatening to set the mosque ablaze and kill believers of Islam. `We are terrified to receive the threatening calls", Cho said. ``We are asking believers to stay home for a while and refrain from meeting people outside." Police believe some angry citizens made the threat after watching the news of Kimâs death, but it is not likely the threats will be realized. Police stationed 15 officers at the main gate of the mosque to control the ins and outs and some 40 officers are patrolling around the mosque on shifts, according to police.``I donât understand why Muslims should be targets of terror in Korea", said a Pakistani, who attended a dawn service at the mosque. ``Kimâs death came as a shock and surprise for all believers of Islam in Seoul as well. We hope the Korean people know that we are also very sad about Kimâs death." A Korean group of Islamic followers issued a statement in the afternoon to prevent possible terror against Muslims.``Korean people should know Islam has nothing to do with the death of Kim Sun-il. Muslim people donât commit such inhuman acts", the group said. ``We deeply regret Kimâs death and offer condolences to his family." Posted by: TS(vice girl) 2004-06-23 |
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