WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.

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