CAGE calls for calm amid tragic loss of life

<strong><em>London</em> - CAGE laments the recent attacks that have led to the tragic loss of life in Brussels (Belgium), Ankara and Istanbul (Turkey), and Maidaguri (Nigeria) in the past two weeks.</strong> As European countries lead on counter-terrorism policies worldwide, these attacks warrant comment due to the ramifications reactionary policies may have in Europe and globally. For more than a decade, CAGE has focused on government overreach in the War on Terror, and as part of that, it is important that in such an environment, we provide comment in order to encourage ending this seemingly endless cycle of violence. &nbsp; <h3>Dr Adnan Siddiqui, director of CAGE, said:</h3> &nbsp; “We lament this tragic loss of life. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have lost loved ones in these terrible events. The scourge of political violence is a cycle, and the cycle needs to be stopped. Brute force and criminalisation of communities further endanger the public. Only a meaningful rethinking of domestic and foreign policies can end the cycle of violence. Current policies and security agency practices are failing to protect the public. In Belgium, elite forces placed the town of Molenbeek under siege, and many were raided, but despite this three bombers were able to carry out an attack days after the main suspect was arrested five hundred metres away from where he was born. We should be cognisant of the way in which we collectively respond to the loss of life. Attacks within Europe, due to their proximity and the prevailing political and media environment, often attract more attention. We urge that the loss of life, in all parts of the world, should be equally respected. We must not allow for knee-jerk reactions that foster an environment that permits the further suspicion and alienation of Muslim communities.”