The horrible crime that has killed many female students of Sayyid al-Shuhada' School in Kabul, during the holy month of Ramadhan, resulting in the martyrdom of tens of people, whilst wounding many more, breaks and fills the heart of every free and conscientious person with grief and sorrow. For many years, Afghanistan's defenseless civilians have been brutally attacked by extremist and ruthless groups, however, this crime is unparalleled and, in some ways, more painful. We offer our deepest condolences to the honorable and oppressed people of Afghanistan, especially to the bereaved families, asking Allah, the Almighty to grant them patience, and the injured a swift recovery. In the current difficult climate of the beloved country of Afghanistan, given the possibility of extremist groups gaining more power, national unity and solidarity amongst all ethnic groups is more important now, than ever. Extract from Statement by Sayyed Sistani