The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe has issued s short statement condemning the recent attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels. While the statement refers to the “innocent victims”, it also alludes to unidentified acts “from whatever quarter”:
May 24, 2013 The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe strongly condemns the attack that occurred today, Saturday 24 May, close to the Jewish Museum in the heart of the Belgian capital, Brussels, which claimed innocent victims, according to initial reports.
The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe as it condemns this attack and violence in all forms, and denounces all acts of murder, intimidation, and undermining of social peace, from whatever quarter, expresses its heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the victims and hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured.
It is unclear why FIOE felt the need to contextualize their statement in this manner.
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) claims to be an independent organization representing the interests of Muslims in Europe. In reality, the FIOE is an umbrella group that comprises the global Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. Strong links connect FIOE’s leadership central institutions and member organizations to the Brotherhood, as well as to Saudi Arabia and Ayman Aly, the last-known FIOE Secretary-General, is also a senior member of the Guidance Bureau of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood as well as an adviser to Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Funding for the FIOE is derived largely from Gulf sources, including some of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates. The FIOE has strong ties to Hamas and Hamas fund-raising organizations, and some FIOE member organizations show evidence of links with Al-Qaida. The FIOE recently opened a headquarters office in Brussels and has had some success in positioning itself as a “dialog partner” for the EU and other important institutions.