SCOTLAND'S Muslim community has condemned the murder of David Haines as police urged people to remain vigilant to hate crime in the wake of the atrocity.
The Muslim Council of Scotland said Islamic groups across the country have united to "unequivocally condemn" the "barbaric murder".
Council Convener Dr Javed Gill said: "As Scottish Muslims we are united in our condemnation of the murder of fellow Scot, David Haines.
"Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Mr Haines. David went overseas as an aid worker to help the people of that region. That extremists chose to murder him only shows once again the depravity of their warped ideology.
"They have killed so many innocent people in the region, and they perform such murders only to draw attention to their cause of destruction.
"These extremists in Iraq and Syria claim to be acting in the name of Islam. But there is nothing in our faith that condones such behaviour. Muslims in Scotland and around the world have condemned these people, and the arguments they use have been refuted comprehensively as being far from the religion of Islam.
"We once again offer our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the family of David Haines and stand with all communities in condemnation of these barbaric actions"
Meanwhile, Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said the force and the communities it serves "stand collectively in defiance of such atrocities".
He said: "We must all ensure that the threat posed by terrorists operating in both Syria and Iraq does not undermine the positive relationships which exist across Scotland. Should anyone witness or become the victim of hate crime they should contact Police Scotland immediately.
"Police Scotland will not tolerate any form of hate crime and we are committed to doing everything in our power to identify and bring those responsible to justice."
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