Malians rally against religious extremism

BAMAKO, Mali — Several thousand people have turned out for a rally in Mali's capital, Bamako, to show support for "the authentic Islam" and to say no to religious extremism.

Saturday's rally took place as the international community considers a possible military intervention in order to flush out the Islamic extremists that seized control of Mali's northern half eight months ago.

The rally is being led by the country's Muslim leaders. They have been joined by political leaders as well as Capt. Amadou Sanogo, who led the April coup which destabilized the country, and created the chaos that allowed al-Qaida-linked militants to take over the north.

Organizer Adama Kone says people gathered "to safeguard the tenets of the authentic Islam ... an Islam that is based on tolerance, peace."