American Muslims ask President Obama to intervene immediately on behalf of the Libyan people

by ISNA

On behalf of the American Muslim community, the Islamic Society of North America appeals to President Obama to take the lead as the United Nations deliberates over the unfolding atrocities committed by Gaddafi and his regime.  We ask President Obama to intervene immediately on behalf of the Libyan people.

Gaddafi, who has already used air strikes to gun down defenseless protesters, has stated he has not even used massive force yet and has threatened to use it against the entire country if they do not stop their peaceful protests.  This threat of pending massive force is frightening, considering the fact he has already murdered hundreds, injured thousands, and committed horrific acts of violence.

As of Jan 21, the International Coalition Against War Criminals has reported 519 peaceful protesters dead, 3980 injured, and 1500 missing in Libya.  If America sits by and does nothing, we will witness another disaster similar to what happened to Iraqi Kurds in 1988, Rwanda in 1994, and Serbanista in 1996.  Given these events in recent history, we will have no excuse if we allow it to happen again.

ISNA urges the President to take the lead on the following:

• Publicly demand an end to unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters;
•Condemn Gaddafi’s brutal crimes against humanity and indicting him to be tried in the International Criminal Court;
•Opening the Egypt-Libya, Tunisia-Libya borders immediately which have been blocked and swiftly sending the Libyan people humanitarian aid and relief supplies such as medicine, blood, food, and other basic provisions. Relief efforts have currently mobilized, however they have been stopped at Egyptian border control;
•Enhancing media awareness and focusing attention on the inhumane violence being inflicted on unarmed Libyan civilians;
•Calling on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action and stop the massacre of innocent civilians;
•Demand Libya to restore access to the internet; 
•Impose an embargo on all exports of arms and security equipment to Libya
“The Gaddafi regime has declared war against the people of Libya, stating that it would fight the Libyan protesters to the very last bullet.  To hesitate will surely lead to disaster.  This can be described as nothing other than a pending horrific genocide and the international community must take action on behalf of the people of Libya to prevent more senseless murders from taking place,” said ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid.

ISNA calls on all Americans to contact their elected officials and President Obama directly to urge the American government to take direct action on behalf of the Libyan people to stop this genocide now.

ISNA stands in solidarity with the people of Libya as they struggle peacefully to free themselves from the grip of a 41 year old dictatorship, from a savage regime which has stripped generations of Libyans of their freedom, dignity and hope, and forced them to live under the shadow of oppression and fear.

“It is a moral imperative that the American Government and its people stand on the right side of history-the side of the people heroically protesting for their freedom and dignity against Gaddafi’s tyranny, terrorism, and oppression.  We pray for the people of Libya and for their safety and peace.” said ISNA Secretary General Safaa Zarzour.

SEE ALSO:  Contact form for the White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

SOURCE:  ISNA http://www.isna.net/articles/Press-Releases/ISNA-Demands-Immediate-Action-for-the-People-of-Libya.aspx