The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, called on the diaspora to reject Islamist extremism in a speech given on Saturday.
Mohammed VI of Morocco spoke not only to the people of his country, but he also addressed the millions of Moroccans living abroad.
The leader felt compelled to address terrorism and ISIS’ grip on so many young Muslims after the countless and senseless attacks in France, America, England, and Germany in the past months.
While Syrian refugees perpetrated the attacks in Germany, the horrific mass murders in France and Belgium were committed by European citizens of Moroccan origin, who were indoctrinated by ISIS.
Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Chakib Akrouh, who killed many in Paris last fall, were of Moroccan heritage. The Brussels bombers – Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui – were also of Moroccan origin.
In his remarks, the king condemned the murder of innocent people and spoke at length about Father Jacques Hamel. The 84-year-old priest had his throat slit by an ISIS militant during mass in Rouen. The king of Morocco said:
“Moroccans abroad to present a united front against extremism and to defend peace, harmony, and unity in their respective countries of residence. We strongly condemn the murder of innocents, the murder of a priest at the altar of his own church in France unforgivable.”
His Majesty Mohammed VI added:
“Terrorists who kill in the name of Islam, are condemned to eternal hell. They are exploiting some young Muslims, particularly in Europe, exploiting their ignorance of Arabic and true Islam to relay their messages and false promises.”
Mohammed VI, who is personally very popular, has carried out many reforms to make the monarchy more modern, although he retained broad powers for himself.
Experts say Morocco was able to avoid most of the problems other countries in the Middle East and North Africa have faced in the last few years.