Muslim scholars urge Islamic world to stand against Russia's Syria airstrikes

The International Union of Muslim Scholars, or IUMS, called on Arab countries and the Islamic world to protest against Russia's air strikes in Syria.

“The citizens, scholars and authorities of the Islamic and Arab world should stand against Russia's assault in Syria," the association said in a statement.

Russia has been launching air strikes since last week against forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey, the Syrian opposition, the U.S. and NATO strongly opposed Moscow's move and called on Putin to leave these “wrong" steps.

“The free world should continue supporting the popular revolution in Syria, which would save them from the persecution of perpetrator Bashar al-Assad," read the statement signed by IUMS President Yusuf al-Qaradawi and General Secretary Ali Muhiuddin Al-Qurra Daghi.

Both leaders stated that the Arabic and Islamic world should stand against not only Russia but Iran, Iraq and Lebanese militants, which intervene in Syria on the plea of giving anti-terror support to Assad.

IUMS reiterated its view that without overthrowing Bashar al-Assad a solution of Syria's five-year-old conflict was impossible. “There is no solution without overthrowing Bashar al-Assad," it said.

It also said that moderate oppositions fighting against Assad's brutality should be supported even by providing arms.

The statement urged the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, to make an attempt at the immediate declaration of a “no fly zone" in Syria to protect civilians.

“Assad must step down and should be prosecuted in front of International Criminal Court, or ICC," the statement said.