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'Courts needed to determine truth of US terrorism charges' |
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| CAIRO (AFP) — The top Muslim cleric of Al Azhar, Sunni
Islam's highest authority, said Sunday that only the courts could
determine the truth behind US terrorism charges and permit punishment.
“It is the right of no person or state to bring punishment on someone based on mere accusations,” Sheikh Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi was quoted by Egypt's MENA news agency as saying in comments on the attacks. “Punishment must only be brought once clear evidence of the crime has been established and that must come through the relevant judicial channels,” said the grand imam of Cairo's 1,000-year-old Al Azhar Mosque and place of study. Sheikh Tantawi added that it was the United States' right to make accusations against those it suspects attacked them on Sept. 11, but said “judgement must come through the courts.” “Those who level accusations that are not based on the truth are in the wrong,” he added. Last week, Tantawi said Islam supports the US right to “defend itself” against aggressors after attacks on New York and Washington, saying any state or group proven to have participated in the attacks “must be punished.” But he also stressed that firm evidence of their culpability must first be found.
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