The Conservative Muslim Forum is horrified and saddened by the loss of life in the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi and the killing of the American ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other people. We understand from news media that those responsible for the killings claim that they are protesting against the making of a film in the USA which denigrates Islam and our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.)

In our view violence and murder can never be the proper response to the insulting of Islam. Murder and violence in the name of protecting Islam is utterly unacceptable, and we consider that it has no place in Islam. The correct response to insults to Islam or the Prophet (pbuh) is to challenge such insults through legitimate means, to redouble one’s efforts to spread the true meaning of Islam and to ostracise those who insult.

The CMF believes that criticism of any religion should be responded to with open and reasoned debate and has always supported the right to freedom of expression. We also believe that both the media and the public across the world must exercise this freedom with responsibility.

Our deepest condolences go to the families of the bereaved.