Moroccan religious scholars decry Islamist leader's letter

Moroccan religious scholars have decried the content of an open letter published by Sheikh Abdeslam Yassine, leader of the non-authorized Al-Adl Wa Al-Ihssane Association (Justice and Spirituality).

Yassine's letter shows "unavowed designs and ambitions," the presidents of the Moroccan Ulema (theologians) Councils said in a release.

Yassine, who is under house arrest in his house in Sale (Rabat twin city), published recently a memorandum under the title "To Whom it May Concern." The document contained blasphemous statements to the memory of the Late King Hassan II, founder of modern Morocco and architect of the country's progress in human rights and democracy.

The scholars solicited King Mohammed VI to apply against Sheikh Yassine the provisions of the Sharia (Islamic law) and of the law.

The Sheikh's memorandum "incites to extremism, foments disobedience and harms the country's unity," they said, adding that Yassine harbors rancor to the memory of the late King.

Through his attack against Morocco's sacred values, especially the Beia (allegiance), the Sheikh contests the legitimate authority, the scholars said.

The council renewed mobilization behind king Mohammed VI, Commander of the faithful, for the defense of the country's sacred values and the preservation of the kingdom's territorial integrity in accordance with the allegiance oath.

In the same vein, the League of Moroccan Scholars issued a statement denouncing Sheikh Yassine's memorandum and pointing out that Yassine went astray, when he blasphemed the memory of the late King.

The league, which recalled the blessed actions of the Late King Hassan II in favor of his people and the Arab and Islamic Ummah at large, underlined that Sheikh Yassine fell in error and violated the teachings of Islam, that orders obedience and allegiance to the legitimate leader of the country.