The Muslim Shura in Luxembourg has expressed regret that two fundamentalist volunteers from the Grand Duchy fought for Islamists in Syria, saying that their actions do not reflect the attitudes of the Muslim community in the country.
In a statement on Monday, the Shura commented that their reading of the Quran and the Muslim religion did not reflect the vision of the Shura.
With the story about the deaths of two Islamist volunteers from Luxembourg killed in Syria making headlines last month, the Shura also warned that a false image of the Muslim community is being perpetuated.
At the same time, the group raised concerns over failings at the level of security authorities, also in Luxembourg, saying that it should not have been possible for the two men to reach Syria unhindered.
Originally from Kosovo and north Africa, the two men lived in Luxembourg before travelling to Syria to join a fundamentalist group with ties to Al-Qaeda. One of the men arrived in Syria in September last year, while the other arrived in January 2014. They were both killed in Syria.
Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn at the beginning of May confirmed the media reports, adding that efforts are being made to keep people from joining Islamist organisations. However, he said that the recruitment of further volunteers from Luxembourg could not be ruled out, as the phenomenon can be witness throughout Europe.
The Shura meanwhile condemned the atrocities committed by foreign fighters in Syria, as well as Syrian regime attacks against civilians. There is no way in which these crimes can be reconciled with Islam, the Shura said.