Muslim organizations representing the Washington area are gathering to call from the release of nearly 300 schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria.
The kidnappings three weeks ago by the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram have led to worldwide attention and condemnation. The group's leader has used Islamic teachings as justification for threatening to sell the girls into slavery.
Representatives of the Council of Muslim Organizations will speak about the kidnappings at a news conference on Thursday at the National Press Club. The council coordinates Muslim groups in the region.
Several protests have been held across the world, including several in the D.C. area. Earlier this week, protesters rallied outside the Nigerian Embassy in northwest Washington, demanding that Nigeria do more to rescue the girls.
First lady Michelle Obama also condemned the attacks Wednesday, posting a picture on Twitter of herself holding a sign with the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.
President Barack Obama announced this week that the U.S. will send a team of specialist to Nigeria to help rescue the girls.
Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families. It's time to #BringBackOurGirls. -mo pic.twitter.com/glDKDotJRt — The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 7, 2014
