Angelina Jolie slams Donald Trump's stance on religious freedom and immigration

Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie-Pitt spoke out against the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump's comments about Muslims and refugees. 

Representing the UN High Commissioner for Refugees at an event held by the BBC on Monday, the 40-year-old was asked about the New York real estate tycoon - who has called for the ban of migration of Muslim immigrants into the US. She expressed her disapproval saying:

"To me, America is built on people from around the world coming together for freedoms, especially freedom of religion. So it's hard to hear this coming from someone who is pressing to be an American president."

Trump has said that, if elected, he would issue a temporary ban that would prevent Muslims from traveling into the United States.

Jolie added that she has been "disheartened" not only by Trump, but by the overall United States response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Ever since civil war broke out, tens of thousands of Syrians have tried to seek asylum in countries around the world.

"Fear of uncontrolled migration has eroded public confidence and the ability of governments and international institutions to control the situation. It has given space to a false air of legitimacy to those who promote politics of fear and separation."

Jolie is the latest high profile figure to speak out against Mr Trump, whose proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country has sparked global outrage. 

London’s first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, lambasted Mr Trump for suggesting he would be exempt from the ban.

"This isn’t just about me - it’s about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world,”"Mr Khan said.   "Donald Trump’s ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe - it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists.

"Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam - London has proved him wrong."

Source: The Independen