THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Newport has launched the Stop the CrISIS campaign, following the Tunisian beach massacre last month.

Thirty eight people lost their lives when a gunman opened fire on tourists staying in the popular resort of Port El Kantaoui, just north of Sousse in Tunisia, at around midday local time on Friday, June 26.

Thirty of those killed have been confirmed as British, including Blackwood woman Trudy Jones. They had been staying at the Hotel Rui Imperial Marhaba and neighbouring Hotel Rui Bellevue Park.

A minute’s silence was held across Britain in memory of the victims and among those to observe it was the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The community has launched the peaceful Stop the CrISIS campaign in protest to the ISIS terror group and in a bid to highlight the true message of Islam: peace and tolerance.

The campaign was launched last Saturday in Newport city centre with an information stall at Commercial Street.

The community will be handing out leaflets and holding a number of roadshows across the city in the coming months to spread their message of peace and love.

The president of the Newport chapter of the youth association, Saleh Baqi, said: "We unequivocally condemn the actions of the terrorists who are hell-bent on striking fear and causing bloodshed.

“They are the enemy of humanity and they defile the name of Islam by purporting to act in its name. They are in fact the complete antithesis of faith and their organisation and supporters must face the full force of the law.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the innocent victims of the Tunisia atrocity. We stand united with all who seek to promote peace and an end to suffering."

South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar is among those to have voiced his support for the campaign.

He said: “It’s a very good community and Ahmadiyya are doing quite a lot for all communities, not just Muslims. I’ve got great respect for them.

“We all agree that these people doing these nonsensical acts and atrocities are not Muslims.

“Everyone is doing their best to stay on the right track and I hope radicalisation never reaches Newport.

“We have to promote anything that stops these nonsensical ideas spreading like a cancer.”

For more information on the Newport chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK phone 01633508308 or email info.newport@ahmadiyyauk.org.