Condemnation of IS, condolences to Kasasbeh’s family continue

AMMAN — Cabinet members started their meeting on Wednesday with the reciting of verses from the Koran for Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh, who was killed by the so-called Islamic State (IS).

The Cabinet condemned the “brutal” murder of the pilot, noting that the way he was killed violates all humane and religious tenets, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The Council of Ministers said the crime vindicates Jordan’s “righteous” decision to join the war against the terrorist group and protect Islam, which was “hijacked” by a band of murderers.

The Cabinet denounced the “devilish” and “atrocious” crime against Kasasbeh, commending the “responsible” and “patriotic” way his family has acted since their son’s capture on December 24.

Also on Wednesday, several civil societies, organisations, associations, political parties and a Lower House bloc condemned the “brutal” killing of Kasasbeh.

The Circassian Tribal Council, the Circassian Charity Association and the Founding Committee of the Circassian Youth Council issued a statement denouncing the killing and underlining their unity and their support for the Hashemite leadership, according to Petra.

The National Parliamentary Coalition at the Lower House expressed its anger at and condemnation of IS’ crime.

The coalition also offered its condolences to Kasasbeh’s family and the entire Jordanian people, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

The Jordan Human Rights Society said it received the news of the barbaric killing of the pilot with deep sadness, and offered its condolences to his parents, family, tribe and friends, in addition to the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and all Jordanians.

The society also called on the government to bring the perpetrators to justice to receive the punishment they deserve.

The Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists also denounced the murder of Kasasbeh and offered its condolences to his family, noting that such hardships strengthen the Jordanian people’s endeavours in fighting extremism and terrorism.

The We Are All Jordan Youth Commission denounced IS’ “cowardly act”, which it said contradicts all humanitarian and moral values. 

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times, the commission also reaffirmed its position that rejects terrorism and extremism.

The Islamist coalition at the Jordan Engineers Association offered its condolences to Kasasbeh’s parents, family and tribe and stressed that IS’ actions have no relation to Islam or humanity.

The Jordanian Communist Party expressed dismay over the crime, saying the shocking way in which the pilot was killed emphasises the fact that this “barbaric organisation” adopts practices and behaviours that belong to the dark ages.

The party also offered its condolences “to the martyr’s family”, relatives and army colleagues, Petra, reported.

The National Centre for Human Rights also deplored IS’ “cowardly act against Kasasbeh”, calling on “the one Jordanian family” and the entire world to unite against the forces of extremism and terrorism that violate human rights and dignity, according to Petra.