U.S. President Barack Obama released a statement Friday condemning the executions of seven foreign U.N. employees in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
Obama said in a statement that no religion tolerates “the slaughter and beheading of innocent people.”
A total of 11 people were killed Friday in uprisings sparked by the news that Pastor Terry Jones burned 2 Qurans during a stunt at his church in Florida on Mar. 20.
Mr. Obama, who was raised a Muslim, saved his harshest words for the burning of the Quran, which he called “an act of extreme intolerance and bigotry.”
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the murders, including the beheadings of two U.N. employees. The day of violence left 78 people injured and the death toll is expected to rise as rioting continued Saturday in Afghanistan.
Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who finally made good on his past threats to burn the Quran, said:
“We must hold these countries and people accountable for what they have done as well as for any excuses they may use to promote their terrorist activities. The time has come to hold Islam accountable.
“Our United States government and our President must take a close, realistic look at the radical element Islam. Islam is not a religion of peace.”
Mr Jones, a former furniture salesman, was quick to respond to accusations that blood was on his hands.
“We do not feel responsible, no,” Jones told “Nightline” anchor Bill Weir.
“They must alter the laws that govern their countries to allow for individual freedoms and rights, such as the right to worship, free speech, and to move freely without fear of being attacked or killed,” he said.
He added: “We demand action from the United Nations. Muslim dominated countries can no longer be allowed to spread their hate against Christians and minorities.”
When told by the FBI that there was a $2.2 million fatwa (hit) out on him, Jones said, “I don’t right now feel personally afraid. But we are armed.”
Mr. Jones’ next stunt is to put the Islamic high prophet Muhummad on trial for “crimes against humanity.”
