Malawian Muslims Seething, Rioting
Charles Johnson
Fri Jun 27, 2003 at 4:23 pm PDT • Views: 214
Malawian Muslims were so enraged about the arrest and extradition of five suspected Al Qaeda members that they had to burn down a Catholic church and the local offices of the “Save the Children” charity: Malawi Muslims Riot Over Alleged Extraditions.
BLANTYRE, Malawi (Reuters) - Angry demonstrators in the resort district of Mangochi burned down offices of the global “Save the Children” charity and a Catholic church, while others attacked the offices of the Muslim Association of Malawi in Blantyre, police said.
No one was seriously hurt in the protests, which were fueled by anger over unconfirmed reports that U.S. security officials whisked the five suspects out of the country earlier this week, with the approval of Malawian authorities. …
“We are so angry, especially with (President Bakili) Muluzi — who should be the first person to protect Muslims,” said Amir Juma, a Muslim businessman in his 30s. Muluzi is a Muslim. …
MAM public relations officer Saiti Jambo told Reuters that irate Muslims ran amok in the organization’s offices — smashing windows and burning furniture, computers and vehicles — after they failed to gain access to its chairman, Sheik Omar Wochi.
“Sheik Wochi was not in the office and this angered them,” Jambo said. “We watched helplessly as they decided to vent their anger on the offices.”
The Muslims chanted anti-government slogans, accusing their government of relinquishing its sovereignty by succumbing to pressure from the U.S. government. They also accused their association of failing to protect fellow Muslims.
Frank says: