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Incidents of Anti-Shiism, May 2026

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report highlighting the most prominent human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims from May 1st to June 1st, 2026.
This report details various terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as instances of oppression and abuse by certain governments and regimes.
SRW relied on both its own sources and public sources, such as individuals and human rights groups active in the countries where violations occurred.
SRW notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of conclusive evidence, despite being certain of their occurrence in some countries, emphasizing that it does not seek political or profit goals in its work, but rather aims to achieve justice and equality aspired to by human societies.

Countries (Alphabetically):

United Arab Emirates

May 2, 2026 – Mass Deportation of Shia Families
The government of the United Arab Emirates launched an organized campaign to deport Shia residents from the country. The deportations affected approximately 5,000 Pakistani Shia families, comprising nearly 15,000 individuals. Those deported were reportedly returned with little more than their personal clothing and were not given the opportunity to withdraw funds from their bank accounts or settle their financial affairs.

 

Afghanistan

May 6, 2026 – Continued Attacks Against Shia Religious Figures
Shia cleric Hussein Dad Sharifi in Kabul reported that officials from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice physically assaulted him for registering a temporary marriage contract. He further stated that the Taliban recently detained dozens of Shia clerics and compelled them to sign pledges, calling for an end to these policies and the continued humiliation of Shia scholars, religious institutions, and citizens.

 

Pakistan

May 7, 2026 – Terrorist Attack on a Mosque in Nawabshah District
An extremist assailant stormed a mosque in the Qazi Ahmed area of Nawabshah District near Fathul Zardari village during the noon call to prayer. The attacker assaulted worshippers and struck the 75-year-old muezzin with an axe, causing severe injuries.

May 21, 2026 – Kidnapping and Murder of a Young Man in Dera Ismail Khan
An armed terrorist group abducted Abbas Hussain Bakhsh from his shop in Ranazai neighborhood in Kalachi, Dera Ismail Khan District. The attackers later murdered him and abandoned his body on the roadside.

May 24, 2026 – Deadly Bombing in Quetta
An improvised explosive device targeting a passenger train in Quetta killed approximately 30 people and injured more than 100 others.

 

Bahrain

May 1, 2026 – Arrest Campaign Targets Several Youths
Security authorities launched a series of arrests in various regions of Bahrain, including:

  • Hassan Ali Yahya from Bani Jamra.
  • Sayyid Hassan Aqeel and Khalil Al-Karrani from Karana.

May 4, 2026 – Arrest of a Young Man from Abu Saiba
Security forces arrested Mohammed Nader from Abu Saiba following his summons for questioning at Al-Budaiya Police Station.

May 4, 2026 – Wave of Politically Motivated Sentences
Judicial authorities issued numerous prison sentences against dozens of young men on what observers described as purely political and sectarian grounds.

  • Among the rulings:
    One additional year of imprisonment for detainee Hassan Matar from Buri, increasing his total politically related prison sentences to three years.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for minor Mohammed Hamza Al-Nakkal from Sitra.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for minor Mohammed Abbas Al-Moamen from Sitra.
  • Two years’ imprisonment for detainee Hadi Abdul Zahra from A’ali, increasing his cumulative sentence to three years.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for minor Hassan Yousif of Bani Jamra, Abdulaziz Imad Burashid of Malkiya, and Sayyid Yousif Ibrahim of Malkiya.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for detainee Jaafar Sadiq from Diraz.
  • One year imprisonment for detainee Ali Mohammed Darwish from Sanabis.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for detainee Mohammed Redha from Malkiya.
  • Four years’ imprisonment for Sadiq Hassan Marhoon, Karrar Hani, Mohammed Redha, and Abdullah Hussain Rabia, all from Malkiya.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for Hassan Abduljalil and Haider Mohammed.
  • Two years’ imprisonment for Jaafar Mousa and Hassan Haider Al-Saddadi.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for minor Murtadha Fardan from Saar.
  • Five years’ imprisonment for detainee Majid Ahmed Majid from Buri.
  • Two years’ imprisonment for Jaafar Al-Qaffas.
  • Three years’ imprisonment for Sayyid Ahmed Habib and Isa Al-Banna.

May 6, 2026 – Arrest of a Young Man from Sitra
Security authorities arrested Mahmood Jaafar Dhaif after raiding his home in Sitra.

May 7, 2026 – Arrest of a Young Man from Sanabis
Security authorities arrested Redha Khalid Khamis from Sanabis after raiding his family home.

May 9, 2026 – Arrest of Sons of Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim
Security authorities arrested Mohammed Taqi and Abdul Hakim, the sons of prominent Shia scholar Sheikh Isa Qassim, following a raid on their residence.

May 9, 2026 – Unprecedented Mass Arrest Campaign Against Shia Clerics
Authorities launched what observers described as the largest arrest campaign in Bahrain’s history against Shia clerics, seminary scholars, and community leaders.

Those detained included:

  • Sheikh Ali Al-Saddadi
  • Sayyid Hani Al-Muallim
  • Sayyid Talib Mohammed
  • Sheikh Munir Al-Ma’touq
  • Sayyid Hussein Al-Karrani
  • Sheikh Ali Sanad
  • Sheikh Isa Al-Moamen
  • Sheikh Mahmood Al-Saddadi
  • Sheikh Hassan Ali Radhi
  • Sayyid Mohammed Al-Guraifi
  • Sheikh Jassim Al-Khayyat
  • Sheikh Mohammed Al-Shihabi
  • Sheikh Ayoub Al-Bahrani
  • Sheikh Ali Al-Mustarshid
  • Sheikh Hussein Al-Mahrous
  • Sheikh Raed Al-Sitri
  • Sheikh Baqir Al-Hawaj
  • Sheikh Fadhel Al-Zaki
  • Sheikh Jameel Al-Aali
  • Sheikh Ghazi Al-Sammak
  • Sheikh Sadiq Al-Aafiya
  • Sheikh Mohammed Al-Kharsi
  • Sheikh Radhi Al-Qaffas
  • Sheikh Mohammed Sanqour
  • Sheikh Ali Humaidan
  • Sheikh Hamed Ashour
  • Sheikh Ali Rahma
  • Sheikh Hani Al-Banna
  • Sheikh Mahmood Al-Aali
  • Sheikh Ali Al-Subaie
  • Sheikh Sadiq Al-Dirazi
  • Sayyid Mousa Al-Wadaei
  • Sheikh Adel Mahmood Khurshid

May 9, 2026 – Three-Year Sentence for a Resident of Ma’ameer
A Bahraini court sentenced detainee Ibrahim Adel from Ma’ameer to three years in prison and imposed a fine of 500 Bahraini dinars.

May 10, 2026 – Arrest of Cleric from Jurdab
Security authorities raided the home of Sheikh Ali Al-Jurdabi from Jurdab before arresting him.

May 11, 2026 – Ten-Year Prison Sentence for Human Rights Activist
A Bahraini court sentenced prominent activist Haj Munir Mushaima to ten years in prison.

May 11, 2026 – Arrest Campaign Across Several Areas
Security raids resulted in the arrest of:

  • Nizar Yaseen from Bani Jamra.
  • Mohammed Alyan from Karana.
  • Hussein Mohammed Al-Ghusra from Bani Jamra.
  • Sayyid Abdullah Mohammed Al-Guraifi, Sayyid Amjad Sayyid Ahmed, and Sayyid Mujtaba Sayyid Falah from Abu Quwwa.
  • Mohammed Kamel Al-Eskafi from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Ali Al-Guraifi from Abu Quwwa.
  • Sayyid Nasser Mahmood from Al-Ghuraifa.

May 12, 2026 – New Wave of Politically Motivated Sentences
Courts issued additional prison terms including:

  • Five years for Sayyid Hashem Mahfouz from Abu Quwwa.
  • Life imprisonment for detainee Badoor Abdul Hamid Ali.
  • Three years for Ayman Al-Saffar from Al-Musalla.
  • Three years and a 500-dinar fine for Ali Al-Qatari, Ahmed Fadhel Abbas of Sanabis, and Sayyid Ayman Mustafa of Al-Ghuraifa.
  • Life imprisonment for Ali Abdul Hussein Khurshid from Jid Ali.
  • Ten years for engineer Mahdi Taher Al-Jalawi.
  • Three years for Haj Ali Ahmed Salman from Sanabis.
  • Ten years for Abdullah Hussein Wathiqi from Jid Ali.
  • Five years for Hussein Khalil Ibrahim from Nuwaidrat.

May 12, 2026 – Arrest Campaign
Security authorities carried out a series of arrests in several areas, including:

  • Hassan Milad from Muqabah.
  • Minor Mujtaba Mohsen Abdulhadi from Muqabah.
  • Jassim Ahmed Abdul Amir Marhoon from Abu Quwwa.

May 13, 2026 – Further Arrests
Authorities conducted additional arrests, including:

  • Ali Faed Al-Arish from Diraz.
  • Brothers Hussein and Mohammed Abdul Redha Bu Humaid from Malkiya.
  • Ali Hossam Mohammed Jawad Al-Shihabi from Diraz.

May 13, 2026 – Additional Prison Sentences
Bahraini courts issued a new set of prison sentences, including:

  • Three years’ imprisonment for Abdullah Al-Bahrani.
  • Prison terms ranging from three to five years for Sadiq Hassan and Sayyid Hassan Yousif.

May 14, 2026 – Arrest of Religious Chanters
Security authorities arrested religious chanters Jaafar Fadhel and Abbas Al-Nouh from Karana.

May 16, 2026 – Arrest of a Youth from Bani Jamra
Sayyid Mohammed Hamza Al-Mousawi was arrested after being summoned for questioning at Al-Budaiya Police Station.

May 17, 2026 – Arrest of a Religious Community Leader
Authorities arrested Haj Sayyid Jaafar Al-Sharaf, head of the Matam administration in Muqabah.

May 19, 2026 – Continuing Arrest Campaign
Security raids resulted in the arrest of:

  • Hassan Ibrahim Al-Ajooz from Nuwaidrat.
  • Sayyid Jawad Al-Mousawi from Bani Jamra.
  • Mohammed Murtadha Al-Qayyim from Nuwaidrat.
  • Abbas Eid from Nuwaidrat.
  • Sixteen-year-old Mustafa Yousif Ibrahim Al-Maqhawi from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Sayyid Redha Jaafar Al-Mousawi from Diraz.

May 20, 2026 – Life Sentence for Activist
Judicial authorities sentenced detainee Mohammed Jaafar Mashhadi from Muharraq to life imprisonment on charges related to alleged communication with foreign entities.

May 20, 2026 – Arrest Campaign

Those arrested included:

  • Fadhel Khalil Feteel from Karana.
  • Sayyid Hadi Saeed Al-Mousawi from Diraz.
  • Ali Salman Maytham from Karana.
  • Jaafar Yousif Salman from Karana.
  • Kumail Mohammed from Diraz.

May 21, 2026 – Arrest of Journalist
Authorities arrested journalist Hussein Ali Salman Marzooq from Diraz.

May 21, 2026 – Five-Year Sentence for Resident of Bilad Al-Qadeem
Mahdi Salah Abbas was sentenced to five years in prison.

May 21, 2026 – Imprisonment of a Child
Authorities sentenced child detainee Qasim Mohammed Hussein Al-Muwali from Al-Maqsha to one year in prison.

May 21, 2026 – Arrest of a Youth from Sitra
Bassem Mohammed Al-Hallal was arrested following a summons to appear before the Public Prosecution.

May 22, 2026 – Raid on Dry Dock Prison
Sources reported that armed security forces violently stormed Building 17 of Dry Dock Prison, which houses political detainees, including youth and minors, causing injuries and widespread panic among prisoners.

May 22, 2026 – Arrest of Three Youths from Salmabad
Authorities arrested Ali Al-Aali, Basel Shaker, and Nasser Al-Kashri for participating in mourning processions commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Mohammed Al-Jawad (peace be upon him).

May 23, 2026 – Arrest of a Minor from Karana
Ali Hussein Rashid was arrested after being summoned for interrogation.

May 24, 2026 – Harsh Sentences Issued
The High Criminal Court issued severe sentences against several Bahraini citizens, including:

  • Sayyid Mohammed Hadi Hassan (Al-Ghuraifa)
  • Sayyid Mohammed Fadhel Humaid (Al-Ghuraifa)
  • Yousif Ahmed Mansour Sarhan (Al-Eker)
  • Sahlan Abdul Redha Mahdi (Al-Eker)
  • Abbas Abdullah Matar (Al-Eker)
  • Murtadha Awal (Karbabad)
  • Sheikh Ahmed Al-Haiki (Samaheej)
  • Elias Al-Qabbat (Jid Hafs)
  • Sara Abdul Nabi
  • Nader Abduljalil (Diraz)
  • Ali Hussein Ali Al-Aboud (Outer Sitra)

May 24, 2026 – Arrest Campaign
Authorities arrested:

  • Hussaini reciter Mahdi Sahwan.
  • Teacher Ali Mahna.
  • Haj Khalil Ibrahim Jaafar from Karana.
  • Hassan Mujtaba from Diraz.
  • Hussaini reciter Sayyid Mahmood Al-Mousawi.
  • Haj Mahdi Saleh Al-Eskafi.
  • Brothers Mohammed Hassan Jawad and Ali Hassan Jawad from A’ali Housing.
  • Isa Abdullah Al-Samaheji, head of the Samaheej mourning procession committee.

May 25, 2026 – Continuing Arrests
Those arrested included:

  • Hassan Makki from Al-Dair.
  • Sayyid Kumail Al-Biladi and Sayyid Maytham Amin.
  • Minors Mohammed Hammad and Redha Ibrahim from Al-Dair.
  • Haj Hussein Darwish from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Sayyid Hussein Jaafar from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Zain Mohammed Ibrahim from Al-Dair.

May 26, 2026 – Continuing Arrest Campaign

Authorities arrested:

  • Mohammed Ahmed Sarhan from Al-Eker.
  • Ihab Al-Hamadi from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Hussein Al-Khayyat from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Ali Al-Ghanem from Bilad Al-Qadeem.

May 27, 2026 – Continuing Arrest Campaign

Authorities arrested:

  • Haj Abdul Jabbar Mirza from Bilad Al-Qadeem.
  • Hussaini reciter Nasser Al-Kashri.
  • Mahmood Abbas Muslim from Diraz.

Lebanon

May 31, 2026 – Casualties from Israeli Military Operations
The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the death toll resulting from Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut reached 3,371 fatalities and 10,129 injuries between March 2, 2026, and the end of May 2026.

 

Syria

May 1, 2026 – Assassination of the Preacher of the Shrine of Sayyida Zainab (peace be upon her)
An armed group planted an explosive device beneath the vehicle of Sayyid Farhan Mansour, preacher of the Shrine of Sayyida Zainab in the Damascus countryside. The explosion killed him instantly.

May 8, 2026 – Arrest Campaign in Jableh
Armed factions conducted arrests targeting residents of Jableh, including:

  • Ali Maan Ahmad
  • Jaafar Maan Ahmad
  • Khader Maan Ahmad
  • Moataz Habib
  • Habib Habib
  • William Hassan
  • Asad Al-Sadr
  • Miqdad Nasser
  • Ali Mihoub

May 9, 2026 – Murder of a Teacher in Homs
Teacher Hussein Waheed Al-Hussein from Modan village in western Homs countryside was abducted by an armed group and later found dead on the roadside.

May 10, 2026 – Abduction of a Young Woman
An armed group stormed the home of Mahmoud Idris and kidnapped his daughter Reem at gunpoint in Al-Hamidiyah, Homs Governorate.

May 11, 2026 – Body of a Young Man Found in Homs
The body of Qablan Suleiman was discovered on a roadside in Homs bearing signs of torture.

May 13, 2026 – Body Found in Latakia
The body of Fares Mousa was found on a roadside in Latakia with visible signs of torture.

May 15, 2026 – Death of Detainee in Homs Countryside
The family of detainee Ghassan Mohsen Al-Ali was informed of his death in Hisyah Prison after four months of detention.

May 16, 2026 – Raids and Arrests in Talkalakh Villages
Armed factions carried out raids and arrested:

  • Abdul Karim Khaddour
  • Abdul Latif Khaddour
  • Nazih Hamdi
  • Suleiman Makhlouf

May 17, 2026 – Body Found in Homs
The body of Sadiq Ahmad Balloul from Al-Zahraa district was found on a roadside bearing signs of torture.

May 18, 2026 – Vandalism of Religious Shrine
Armed groups stormed the shrine of Sheikh Ali Ma’rouf in Al-Mintar and carried out extensive acts of vandalism.

May 18, 2026 – Abduction of a Woman
Dhuha Rizq Assad from Al-Sabeel district in Homs was kidnapped by armed groups.

May 19, 2026 – Seizure of Al-Mustafa Mosque and Complex
Armed groups stormed Al-Mustafa Mosque and Complex in Al-Bayada district of Homs, expelled worshippers, confiscated the facility, and converted it into a military headquarters.

May 19, 2026 – Kidnapping of Lebanese Citizen
An armed group abducted a Lebanese citizen from the Shia community in the border village of Koukran.

May 20, 2026 – Abduction of a Mother from Al-Rabia Village
Rola Hassan Suleiman, a mother of four, was abducted from a street in Al-Rabia village in Hama countryside.

May 20, 2026 – Abduction of a Mother from Ain Al-Fawar
Farah Issa Khamis, a mother of two, was abducted from Ain Al-Fawar village.

May 20, 2026 – Dismissal of Employees
Authorities at the Baniyas Refinery dismissed more than 265 employees reportedly because of their sectarian affiliation.

May 21, 2026 – Abduction of a Young Woman
Farah Issa Khamis was abducted by an armed group from Ain Al-Fawar village in western Homs countryside.

May 21, 2026 – Forced Displacement of Residents
Armed groups expelled residents from their homes in Al-Mintar village in Tartous countryside under threat of force.

May 21, 2026 – Arrest Campaign in Homs Countryside

Armed groups arrested:

  • Mustafa Jaafar
  • Ibrahim Quraitim
  • Ahmad Hamada
  • Razouq Karim Mastou

May 23, 2026 – Body of Kidnapped Surgeon Found
The body of surgeon Hadi Saeed from Al-Qasab village was discovered on a roadside with signs of torture.

May 23, 2026 – University Professor Found Dead
Dr. Jaafar Khair Bek, a chemistry professor at Tishreen University, was found murdered outside his home in Latakia.

May 26, 2026 – Abduction of a Young Woman in Masyaf
Siham Mohammed Al-Khalouf from Al-Qusair village in Masyaf, Hama, was abducted by armed groups.

May 26, 2026 – Young Woman Seriously Injured
An armed group opened fire on a young woman in Al-Sabeel district of Homs, causing severe injuries.

May 28, 2026 – Killing of Three Young Men
An armed group stormed Cairo village in Hama countryside and opened fire on residents, killing:

  • Issam Mahmoud
  • Abdul Hadi Mahmoud
  • Bassem Zamtli

 

Saudi Arabia

May 1, 2026 – Arrest Campaign in Al-Jaroudiya
Security forces conducted raids across several neighborhoods in Al-Jaroudiya, Qatif, resulting in arrests including:

Ahmed Radhi Al-Abadi.

May 1, 2026 – Families of Executed Prisoners Threatened
Sources reported that families of victims of politically and sectarianly motivated executions carried out by Saudi authorities received threats of arrest should they continue demanding the return of their relatives’ bodies or seek assistance from international human rights organizations.

 

Bahrain’s Crackdown on Shia Citizens Raises Rights Concerns

SRW Condemns Escalating Repression and Citizenship Revocations in Bahrain

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) expresses deep concern over the continued escalation of repression carried out by the Bahraini authorities against members of the Shia community. Over recent months, dozens of citizens have reportedly been arrested in sweeping security campaigns, while others have faced arbitrary citizenship revocation and politically motivated prosecutions.

Ongoing Violations and Politically Motivated Charges

SRW has documented a pattern of practices that raise serious human rights concerns and contradict international legal standards, including:

Arbitrary arrests and home raids:

  Security forces have carried out nighttime raids targeting activists, clerics, and young citizens without presenting clear legal warrants. Many detainees were reportedly taken to undisclosed locations before later appearing in court under accusations such as “forming terrorist cells” or “espionage,” often without publicly available evidence supporting those claims.

Use of citizenship revocation as punishment:

  Bahraini authorities continue to strip citizens of their nationality in cases widely viewed as politically motivated, leaving many individuals effectively stateless and isolated from basic civil protections. SRW considers this a direct violation of Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Allegations of coerced confessions:

  Reports from inside prisons indicate that some detainees have been subjected to intense psychological and physical pressure in order to obtain confessions later used to justify severe prison sentences.

Developments on the Ground

SRW states that the current situation reflects more than temporary security measures, describing it instead as a broader pattern of targeting a major segment of Bahraini society.

Among the most concerning developments:
  1. Trials lacking fair trial guarantees:

   Courts have issued collective sentences, including life imprisonment and citizenship revocation, in cases reportedly based on confidential investigations that defense lawyers were unable to fully challenge.

  1. Restrictions on religious expression:

   Arrest campaigns have coincided with increasing restrictions on religious gatherings and speech calling for equality, reform, and justice.

 Message to the Bahraini Authorities

SRW stresses that lasting stability cannot be achieved through repression, exclusion, or collective punishment.

Governments that seek national unity must protect the rights and dignity of all citizens equally, regardless of sect or political opinion. Policies that marginalize communities and strip citizens of their nationality only deepen division and weaken trust between the state and society.

 “Targeting citizens on the basis of sectarian identity and revoking their citizenship reflects a dangerous deterioration in the relationship between the state and its people.”

SRW Calls on the International Community To:
  1. Press for the immediate release of all individuals detained for peaceful expression or sectarian affiliation.
  2. Demand the reversal of arbitrary citizenship revocation decisions and the restoration of full civil rights to affected individuals.
  3. Support an independent international investigation into allegations of torture and abuse inside Bahraini detention centers.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, April 2026 (Enhanced with war-related data)

 

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report highlighting the most prominent human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims from April 1st to May 1st, 2026.
This report details various terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as instances of oppression and abuse by certain governments and regimes.
This month’s report also includes a dedicated section on civilian victims of war in the Middle East.
SRW relied on both its own sources and public sources, such as individuals and human rights groups active in the countries where violations occurred.
SRW notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of conclusive evidence, despite being certain of their occurrence in some countries, emphasizing that it does not seek political or profit goals in its work, but rather aims to achieve justice and equality aspired to by human societies.

Countries (Alphabetically):

United Arab Emirates

April 20, 2026 Arrest of Shia citizens and clerics

Security authorities arrested dozens of Shia citizens and residents, including several prominent clerics, on sectarian grounds.
Identified detainees include Sheikh Ghadir Mirza (member of the Jaafari Endowments in Dubai and Imam of Imam Ali Mosque), Sheikh Ali Al-Ghuraifi, Sheikh Ali Al-Hindi, and Sayyed Ali Al-Qazwini.

April 21, 2026 Arrest of residents from Al-Ahsa
Authorities arrested Haidar and Mustafa Al-Nimr, originally from Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, without providing justification.

 

Afghanistan

April 10, 2026 Armed attack on civilians in Herat
An armed extremist group opened fire on civilians during a religious gathering in Dahmheri village, Injil District, Herat Province.
Outcome: 11 civilians killed and 11 injured, including women and children.
This incident constitutes a violation of the right to life and civilian protection.

Pakistan

April 3, 2026 Bombing in Damil area
A suicide car bomb targeted a police facility in northwestern Pakistan.
Outcome: 5 killed, 13 injured, and extensive property damage.

April 13, 2026  Armed attack in Quetta
Extremist militants attacked civilians in the Sabzimandi area of Hazara Ganji, Quetta, Balochistan.
Outcome: 5 civilians killed.

Bahrain

April 1, 2026 Arrest figures for March 2026
According to the Bahrain Prisoners Affairs Authority, 204 individuals were arrested during March 2026; 10 were released, while 193 remain in detention.

April 2026 Ongoing arrests and raids
Documented incidents include:

Arrest of Ali Al-Mallah (Bilad Al-Qadeem)
Arrest of Mustafa Sadiq (Jannusan) following summons
Arrest of Mahmoud Salman Atiya (location undisclosed)
Arrest of Jassim and Youssef Al-Shajjar (Karababd)
Arrest of minors Hussein Marhoon and Mohammed Younis (Al-Maameer)

April 28, 2026 Sentencing on sectarian grounds
Authorities issued prison sentences, including:
5 years imprisonment for national football player Ahmed Mirza Mousa
Life sentences for Mohammed Khalil and Hussein Mahmoud Zainal
10 years imprisonment for media figure Baqir Al-Kamil
5 years imprisonment for visually impaired detainee Ali Matooq

April 29, 2026 Additional arrests
Authorities arrested Redha Jawad Nasser Al-Qallaf and Abbas Aqeel Hani from Al-Duraz following summons for investigation.
These actions raise concerns regarding arbitrary detention and fair trial violations (UDHR Articles 9 and 10).

Kuwait

April 16, 2026 Arrest of Shia political and academic figures
Authorities carried out arrests targeting prominent Shia figures, including:
Former MP Adnan Abdul-Samad
Dr. Ahmad Al-Mousawi, Head of the English Department at Kuwait University
Former MP Ahmad Lari
Former MP Dr. Khalil Abdullah Abul
Former MP Hani Shams
Former MP Mubarak Al-Najada

These actions indicate patterns of discrimination based on sectarian identity.

Syria

April 2026 Comprehensive documentation of killings, torture, abductions, and sectarian-based violations
The organization documented a wide range of violations targeting Shia civilians across multiple governorates, including Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Damascus, and Deir ez-Zor. The incidents reflect a pattern of extrajudicial killings, deaths under torture, enforced disappearances, and attacks on civilian infrastructure and religious sites.

April 1, 2026
Death under torture: Osama Ali Al-Khalaf died in detention days after his arrest alongside six individuals from the Shia town of Hatla (Deir ez-Zor).
Death following prior assault: Bassam Ali Abu Hassan (Baniyas) died after prolonged hospitalization due to severe beating by security personnel months earlier.
Extrajudicial killing: The body of Hossam Ahmad Badour was found in Homs after being abducted by an armed group; the body showed gunshot wounds.

April 2, 2026
Death due to torture: Fater Ratib (Homs) died ten days after release from detention as a result of severe torture.
Killing inside residence: Ali Ismandar was found dead inside his home in Qardaha after an armed group stormed his residence.

April 3, 2026
Killing of civilians: Farmers Mohammad Hafez Al-Ali and Yousef Mohammad Al-Ali were shot and killed while working on agricultural land in Al-Bayada village, western Hama countryside.
Employment discrimination: Dozens of employees were dismissed from the General Tobacco Company in Latakia due to sectarian affiliation.

April 5, 2026
Abduction from workplace: Tarek Ghaleh was abducted at gunpoint from his workplace in Al-Qabo village (Homs countryside).
Family arrest: Ezzedine Ibrahim and his sons, Ibrahim and Osama, were arrested from their home in Wadi Al-Dhahab (Homs).

April 6, 2026
Body discovered: Aref Amin was found dead inside his vehicle in Al-Karam neighborhood (Homs), with fatal gunshot wounds.
Killing by explosive device: Mahmoud Al-Hamad was killed after an armed group threw a grenade into his home in Bireen village (Hama countryside).

April 7, 2026
Mass arrests: Armed groups detained multiple individuals from Al-Khandaq village (Al-Ghab Plain, Hama), including:
Nassim Habib, William Habib, Tamim Habib, Samir Habib, Samer Habib, Alaa Habib, Nawras Habib, Mohammad Habib, and Ali Habib.
Killing of a family: Armed assailants stormed the home of Salim Assad in Al-Muhajireen neighborhood, killing him, his wife Marwa Al-Rai, and their daughter Lailas.

April 8, 2026
Death in detention: Fouad Suleiman Khodour died after more than one year in detention due to prolonged torture.

April 9, 2026
Abduction: Noor Mansour Abbas was abducted from Al-Suwairi; her fate remains unknown.
Body discovered (hanging): Alaa Al-Hayek was found dead in Latakia, showing signs of torture.
Extrajudicial killing: Samer Jalal (Homs, Al-Zahraa neighborhood) was abducted and later found dead by the roadside.

April 12, 2026
Body discovered: Alaa Khazama was found dead in the Barada River (Damascus), showing signs of torture.

April 16, 2026
Arrests: Two young men, Zain and Mustafa, were detained in Ras Al-Shaghri (Tartous).
Killing of civilians: An armed group killed Nawar Shaheen and his father during a home raid in Baniyas.
Raids and arrests: Armed groups conducted raids across villages in Talkalakh (western Homs), resulting in multiple detentions.

April 17, 2026
Killing of a civilian: Student Hadeel Mohammad was killed after being deliberately run over by an armed individual in Tartous countryside.
Home invasion and arrest: Haidar Ammar was shot, injured, and arrested after an armed group stormed his home in Qardaha.

April 18, 2026
Killing of a civilian: Haidar Younes (Homs) was shot and killed while passing through Kafarnan.
Enforced disappearance: Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Mohammad went missing after leaving his home in Karam Al-Louz (Homs).
Abduction: Mohammad Ayman was abducted near Al-Hawash University (Homs).

April 20, 2026
Mass arrests: Several individuals were detained in Al-Ghab Plain, including Mohammad Nawras Habib, Samir Abdulaziz Habib, Alaa Ghiyath Habib, Samer Aref Habib, and Ali Muayyad Mahfouz.
Armed attack on civilians: Armed groups stormed a residence in Jableh, killing Nassim Shaheen and Yamen Shaheen, injuring Nizar Shaheen (who was subsequently detained along with his son despite medical condition), and arresting Ghaith Shaheen and others.
Shooting incident: Amjad Hamdan was shot in the head by armed individuals on a motorcycle in Al-Sabeel neighborhood.

April 22, 2026
Seizure of religious site: Armed groups took control of the shrine of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jazari in Blqasa (Homs countryside) and prevented civilians from accessing it.

April 25, 2026
Attack on village and abductions: Armed groups attacked the village of Nab’ Al-Tayeb (Hama countryside), forcing residents to flee and abducting several girls.

April 26, 2026
Attack on residential area: Armed individuals opened fire on a home in Al-Nazihin neighborhood, killing Lina Awad and a guest, and injuring her husband and one of her children.

April 28, 2026
Abduction: Abeer Ajib and her child were abducted from a parking area in Baniyas.

April 29, 2026
Abduction of medical professional: Dr. Mohammad Karam Bassal was abducted near Al-Shoukatiliya (Homs countryside) while returning from Umm Al-Amad village.

April 30, 2026
Body discovered: The body of Hossam Mohammad Al-Saleh (Homs) was found by the roadside after abduction, showing signs of torture.

Saudi Arabia

April 2026 Escalation of executions, arrests, and sectarian incitement
April 1, 2026 Authorization of extremist activity:
Authorities permitted a group promoting sectarian hate speech in Al-Ahsa, including incitement against Shia communities and religious figures.
April 1, 2026 Arrest of Iraqi pilgrims:
Three Iraqi pilgrims from Basra were detained without clear charges.
April 1, 2026 Execution of detainee:
Saud Mohammad Al-Faraj (Al-Awamiyah, Qatif) was executed.
April 9, 2026 Execution of detainees:
Mustafa Ali Al-Subaiti and Ali Hassan Al-Subaiti were executed.
April 9, 2026 Arrest campaign targeting clerics and civilians:
Arrests included religious figures and community members, including Hassan Al-Yousef, Sheikh Abduljalil Al-Sameen, Sheikh Hassan Al-Haddad, Sheikh Hussein Al-Nashmi, Mohammad Baqir Al-Nasser, and Sheikh Sami Al-Ibrahim.
April 21, 2026 Arrest linked to cross-border cases:
Mustafa Al-Nimr (Al-Ahsa) was arrested; he is the father of two individuals detained in the UAE.
April 2026 Continued arrest campaigns:
More than 20 individuals from Qatif and Al-Ahsa were detained over a two-week period.
April 28, 2026 Execution of Iraqi nationals:
Two Iraqi nationals from Samawah were executed after prolonged detention.

Outcome:
These actions raise concerns regarding arbitrary detention, denial of due process, use of capital punishment, and incitement to sectarian discrimination.

Middle East Conflict

SRW documented civilian casualties resulting from military operations conducted during April 2026. These incidents raise concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction and proportionality under the Geneva Conventions.

Iran

According to preliminary data issued by the Iranian Ministry of Health (end of April 2026):
1,701 civilian deaths recorded (non-final figure)
Total fatalities exceed 3,400, including approximately 496 women and 216 children

Lebanon

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health (as of April 30, 2026):
2,586 fatalities
8,020 injuries

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, March 2026 (Enhanced with war-related data)

 

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report highlighting the most prominent human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims from March 1st to April 1st, 2026.
This report details various terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as instances of oppression and abuse by certain governments and regimes.
This month’s report also includes a dedicated section on civilian victims of war in the Middle East.
SRW relied on both its own sources and public sources, such as individuals and human rights groups active in the countries where violations occurred.
SRW notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of conclusive evidence, despite being certain of their occurrence in some countries, emphasizing that it does not seek political or profit goals in its work, but rather aims to achieve justice and equality aspired to by human societies.

Countries (Alphabetically):

Afghanistan

21/03/2026 – Restriction of Religious Practices: Authorities prevented the performance of Eid prayers according to the Jaafari school in Kabul and Herat, confiscating loudspeakers to enforce official prayer timing.
25/03/2026 – Forced Displacement: Ongoing forced eviction of Hazara families from ancestral lands in Daikundi and Bamiyan in favor of groups aligned with authorities.

Pakistan

05/03/2026 – Road Blockades and Ambushes (Kurram Region): Armed groups blocked key routes and targeted Shia convoys between Parachinar and Peshawar, resulting in civilian casualties.
10/03/2026 – Killings in Karachi: Between 10–16 Shia protesters were killed by security guards near the U.S. Consulate during protests related to the war involving Iran.
10/03/2026 – Killings in Islamabad: 3 protesters were killed near the U.S. Embassy during similar demonstrations.

Bahrain

06/03/2026 – Restriction of Collective Prayer: Authorities surrounded Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Diraz and prevented unified Shia prayer.
10/03/2026 – Mass Arrest Campaign: Over 200 individuals arrested since early March on charges including “espionage,” “treason,” and misuse of social media for expressing solidarity.
12/03/2026 – Religious Persecution: Cases documented involving removal of religious symbols and summoning of mourners under accusations of inciting hostility toward the state.
27/03/2026 – Death Under Torture: Detainee Mohammed Al-Mousawi died following severe physical and psychological torture in detention.

India

28/03/2026 – Identity-Based Violence in Murshidabad: Violent attacks during a religious procession resulted in destruction of 40 shops and multiple injuries. Groups linked to Hindutva ideology were implicated.

Kuwait

03/2026 – Restriction of Religious Practices: Authorities limited commemoration of Imam Ali’s martyrdom to select venues, restricted to 30 minutes under unified timing—representing a significant restriction on religious freedom.

Syria

The reporting period documents systematic and repeated violations, including killings, abductions, arbitrary detention, and attacks on civilians and religious sites:

01/03/2026 – Assassination (Homs): An armed group killed two young men, Ali Hassan Jardo and Mohammad Ramadan, inside a shop in Al-Abbasiyah neighborhood.
01/03/2026 – Civilian Killing (Homs): A 13-year-old girl was killed by random gunfire in Al-Zahraa area.
02/03/2026 – Abduction (Hama): Armed group abducted Lana Al-Sulaiman (18) from Masyaf.
03/03/2026 – Employment Dismissals (Latakia): Authorities dismissed 113 doctors from public hospitals.
04/03/2026 – Abduction (Latakia): Alma Elia Saleh (14) abducted in Karsana area.
06/03/2026 – Religious Site Attack (Harisun): Shrine of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Bilani vandalized.
06/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Damascus): Body of Salim Habib found with gunshot wounds.
06/03/2026 – Bodies Discovered (Homs): Bodies of Yasser Abbas and Hussein Hamdi found after abduction.
07/03/2026 – Arbitrary Detention (Border Crossings): Returning families from Lebanon were detained, interrogated, and subjected to verbal abuse and identity-based harassment.
08/03/2026 – Armed Home Invasion (Rural Homs): Armed group raided a civilian home, opened fire, used explosives, and stole livestock under threat of force.
10/03/2026 – Desecration of Religious Site (Latakia): Shrine of Al-Khidr Abu Al-Abbas vandalized.
12/03/2026 – Abduction (Homs): Mohammad Bassam Al-Sulaiman abducted; his father assaulted during the incident.
12/03/2026 – Employment Dismissals (Tartous): Authorities dismissed 246 teachers.
13/03/2026 – Abduction (Homs): Hala Bassem Fayyad (17) abducted in Shin area.
13/03/2026 – Abduction (Latakia): Wissam Aziz Mansour and her child abducted.
13/03/2026 – Execution (Damascus): Hussein Al-Rajo was executed, and his body was publicly discarded.
13/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Tartous): Muhan Hizam found dead after abduction.
14/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Homs): Ismail Mustafa found dead with gunshot wounds.
14/04/2026 – Religious Property Seizure (Qardaha): Shrines of Bani Hashem confiscated and converted into military facilities.
16/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Homs): Ali Ramez Al-Mohammad found dead with gunshot wounds.
16/03/2026 – Armed Attack (Aleppo): Attack on civilian transport resulted in 1 death (Ibrahim Hassan Al-Khatib) and 3 injuries.
18/03/2026 – Targeted Killing (Homs): Abbas Assaf killed by gunfire.
18/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Homs): Ayman Ali Al-Jardi found dead after abduction.
19/03/2026 – Assassination (Latakia): Doctor Ali Ayoub killed inside his clinic.
20/03/2026 – Armed Raid (Jabal Al-Ward): Attack injured 5 civilians and caused property damage.
20/03/2026 – Armed Raid and Looting (Deir ez-Zor): Armed groups raided Hatla town, fired weapons to intimidate civilians, and looted property.
21/03/2026 – Desecration of Religious Site (Masyaf): Shrine of Sheikh Mohammad Al-Maghribi destroyed and burned.
22/03/2026 – Cemetery Vandalism (Homs): Al-Firdous cemetery desecrated; graves damaged.
25/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Al-Ghab Plain): Ali Abdulhamid Mahmoud found dead with gunshot wounds.
27/03/2026 – Body Discovery (Baniyas): Nawar Ali found dead with gunshot wounds.
30/03/2026 – Arrest Campaign (Qardaha): Armed groups conducted raids, resulting in injuries and abductions of civilians.
31/03/2026 – Employment Dismissals (Homs): 405 public employees dismissed from the Directorate of Education.

Civilian Victims of War in the Middle East

Ongoing hostilities have resulted in documented violations of international humanitarian law, particularly protections outlined under the Geneva Conventions.

Iran

According to preliminary data:

Civilian deaths: Approximately 1,444 (some estimates exceed 1,900)
Injuries: Between 18,551 – 20,000

Infrastructure damage:
The International Organization for Migration reported damage to 82,000 civilian buildings across 20 provinces, affecting approximately 180,000 civilians, including critical infrastructure.

Lebanon

Civilian deaths: 1,268 (as of 31/03/2026)
Injuries: 3,750

Forced displacement:
Human Rights Watch confirmed evacuation orders targeting predominantly Shia-populated areas, displacing approximately 15% of the population.
Identity-based displacement indicators: Reports indicate restrictions on return to areas south of the Litani River.

Use of prohibited weapons:

Verified reports indicate the use of white phosphorus in civilian مناطق including Kfarkela and Mays Al-Jabal.

Outcome and Position

Shia Rights Watch reaffirms its commitment to:
Monitoring identity-based violence
Defending freedom of religion and belief (Article 18, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Advocating for civilian protection under international humanitarian law
All data remains preliminary and subject to verification updates.

 

 

SRW Warns of Escalating Sectarian Violence Following Deadly Attack on Khadija al-Kubra Mosque

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous suicide bombing attack on the Khadija al-Kubra Mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area of Islamabad, Pakistan, which occurred on February 6, 2026, during Friday prayers. This atrocious act of violence resulted in the deaths of at least 31 worshippers and left over 169 individuals wounded, many critically, as they gathered for communal worship.

This mosque serves as a spiritual sanctuary for Shia Muslims, a minority community already subjected to recurrent sectarian targeting. The deliberate targeting of civilians engaged in prayer constitutes an egregious violation of fundamental human rights, freedom of religion, and the sanctity of places of worship. Any act that seeks to terrorize and divide communities through violence against innocent worshippers is a crime against humanity and must be condemned without reservation.

The ongoing pattern of militant attacks against Shia civilians in Pakistan and across the region underscores an urgent need for coordinated international action to protect vulnerable communities and to hold perpetrators and their sponsors accountable under international law. SRW stands in firm solidarity with the victims and their families, and with all communities affected by sectarian violence.

SRW calls on the Government of Pakistan and the international community to:

  • Swiftly and transparently investigate this attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
  • Strengthen protections for religious minorities and their places of worship to prevent future attacks.
  • Enhance international cooperation to address the networks and ideologies that fuel sectarian terrorism.
  • Provide full support and assistance to survivors, the injured, and the families of the deceased.

SRW extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, expresses solidarity with the injured, and reiterates the imperative that acts of violence against innocent worshippers must never be tolerated.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, January 2026

 

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report highlighting the most prominent human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims from January 1st to February 1st, 2026.
This report details various terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as instances of oppression and abuse by certain governments and regimes.
SRW relied on both its own sources and public sources, such as individuals and human rights groups active in the countries where violations occurred.
SRW notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of conclusive evidence, despite being certain of their occurrence in some countries, emphasizing that it does not seek political or profit goals in its work, but rather aims to achieve justice and equality aspired to by human societies.

Countries (Alphabetically):

Afghanistan

01/01/2026 Killing of a Young Man in Badakhshan:
An armed group killed Mohammad Shah Amiri while he was passing through a street in the city of Fayzabad, Badakhshan Province.

07/01/2026  Abduction and Killing of Three Young Men:
An armed group abducted three young men, subjected them to torture until death, and dumped their bodies on a street in Ghazni Province.

11/01/2026  Arrest Campaign Targeting Women:
So-called “Vice and Virtue” forces carried out an arrest campaign targeting numerous women and young girls in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul.

15/01/2026 Two Killed and Five Injured in Mazar-e-Sharif:
A bomb planted by terrorists inside a public bus in Balkh Province killed two people and injured five others.

20/01/2026 Casualties in Bus Bombing:
An explosion targeting a passenger bus in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

21/01/2026 Casualties in Restaurant Bombing:
An explosion targeting a restaurant in Kabul killed and injured a large number of civilians.

22/01/2026 Two Killed in Fayzabad:
An armed group opened fire on civilians in a marketplace in Fayzabad, killing two people instantly.

24/01/2026 Ban on Teaching Shia Jurisprudence in Bamyan:
Human-rights sources revealed the issuance of undisclosed decisions in Bamyan Province prohibiting the teaching of Ja‘fari (Shia) jurisprudence in certain schools and mosques, and forcing students to follow standardized curricula that violate their religious identity.

Pakistan

12/01/2026 Casualties in Terrorist Bombing in Tank:
A terrorist bombing killed and injured several civilians in the Tank region.

18/01/2026 Assassination of a Young Man in Dera Ismail Khan:
An extremist group assassinated Mohsin Ali in the city of Dera Ismail Khan.

19/01/2026 Assassination of Security Officer in Kohat:
An extremist group assassinated security officer Musaddiq Ali in the Hangu area of Kohat.

25/01/2026 Mass Casualties in Wedding Bombing:
More than seven people were killed and twenty-five others injured, including women and children, in a terrorist bombing targeting a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan.

Bahrain

02/01/2026 Siege of Political Activist’s Home:
Security forces surrounded the home of Hassan Mushaima in Jidhafs and arrested several citizens who gathered in solidarity.

02/01/2026 Ban on Unified Shia Friday Prayer:
Authorities prevented Shia worshippers from accessing Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Diraz to perform Friday prayers for the 61st consecutive week.

09/01/2026 Continued Ban on Friday Prayer:
Shia worshippers were again denied access to Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque for the 62nd consecutive week.

11/01/2026 Arrest of Protesters in Isa Town:
Security forces arrested several protesters staging a sit-in outside the Ministry of Labor to demand employment opportunities.

16/01/2026 Continued Ban on Friday Prayer:
Access to Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque was denied for the 63rd consecutive week.

23/01/2026  Continued Ban on Friday Prayer:
Authorities continued preventing Friday prayers for the 64th consecutive week.

30/01/2026 Continued Ban on Friday Prayer:
Shia worshippers were barred from Friday prayers for the 65th consecutive week.

Lebanon

05/01/2026 Displacement of Border Communities:
Hundreds of families were displaced from border towns including Mays al-Jabal, Khiam, and Aita al-Shaab toward Tyre due to artillery shelling.

06/01/2026 Drone Strike in Jouaya:
Hussein Ali Nasser Al-Din was killed and another civilian moderately injured in a drone strike targeting a vehicle.

10/01/2026 Sonic Boom Violations:
Widespread panic was reported in Nabatieh and Tyre due to repeated Israeli airspace violations and sonic booms.

12/01/2026 Use of Phosphorus Munitions:
Aircraft targeted agricultural lands in Alma al-Shaab and Dhayra using phosphorus shells.

16/01/2026 Fatal Airstrikes:
Khaled Al-Youssef was killed in Mansouri, and Ali Mortada was killed when his home was destroyed in Mayfadoun.

21/01/2026 Drone Assassination on Zahrani Road:
Hassan (Abu Saleh) was killed in a drone strike targeting his vehicle.

24/01/2026 Civilian Killed in Bazzouriyeh:
An unidentified person was killed after their body burned in a drone strike.

26/01/2026 Mass Casualties in Kfar Melki:
Fatima Hamza was killed and 18 civilians injured in a severe airstrike; journalist Mohammad Farhat was also injured in Iqlim al-Tuffah.

30/01/2026 Farmer Killed in Airstrikes:
Farmer Mohammad Hussein was killed and two others injured in airstrikes on Siddiqin and Dawoudiyeh.

31/01/2026 Fatal Drone Strike in Rab Thalathin:
Ali Khalil was killed and another civilian critically injured in an a drone strike.

Syria

01/01/2026 Killing of a Civilian in Homs:
An armed group opened automatic gunfire on civilian Wael Fouani while he was closing his shop in the city of Homs, killing him.

01/01/2026 Abduction of a Young Man from Tartous:
An armed group abducted Mohammad Ayoush while he was passing through Hananou Street near the small market in Tartous.

01/01/2026 Killing of an Elderly Man in Homs:
An armed group killed an elderly man, Abdul Aziz Darwish Abu Mudar, while he was working in his bookstore in the Wadi Al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs.

01/01/2026 Abduction of a Young Man in Tartous:
An armed group abducted Qais Joudat Masoud in the Sheikh Saad area of Tartous.

01/01/2026 Abduction and Ransom of a Young Man Traveling to Lebanon:
Armed groups abducted Laith Ahmad Shabana while he was attempting to travel to Lebanon. He was later released in exchange for a ransom after being subjected to severe torture, the effects of which were visible on his body.

01/01/2026 Assassination of a Young Man in Front of His Family:
Armed groups assassinated Ali Bassam Tamer in front of his home in the city of Jableh.

01/01/2026 Discovery of the Body of a Detainee in Homs:
The body of engineer Osama Abdul Moein Khaddour was found at Al-Waer Hospital in Homs after his arrest by the General Security apparatus.

03/01/2026 Death Threats Against Friday Prayer Imam in Sayyida Zainab:
Armed groups issued threats to kill Sheikh Adham Al-Khatib, the Friday prayer imam in the Sayyida Zainab area.

05/01/2026 Arrest of the Secretary of the Alawite Council:
An armed force arrested Sheikh Asif Mehanna, Secretary of the Alawite Council, after raiding his home in the village of Beit Tleijah, Tartous.

05/01/2026 Three Killed in Armed Attack in Rural Homs:
An armed group attacked the market of Abu Hakfa village in rural Homs, killing three young men and injuring others.

06/01/2026 Arrest of Three Individuals in Al-Anaza:
An armed group stormed the home of Sheikh Ahmad Issa in Al-Anaza, Tartous, arresting him, his brother, and two other young men, and confiscating their vehicle and personal mobile phones.

06/01/2026 Arrests of Community Figures in Safita:
Armed groups arrested several community figures in Safita and its countryside, including the city’s mayor Abdul Aziz Mukhayber, Ghassan Dioub, Hamed Assad and his son Ali, Khader Wassouf and his son, and Ghassan Asbar and his son.

06/01/2026 Arrest of a Young Man in Al-Areed Neighborhood:
An armed group arrested Imran Al-Wahsh from the Al-Areed neighborhood in Tartous.

06/01/2026 Arrest of Four Young Men in Al-Qamsiyah Village:
Armed groups stormed Al-Qamsiyah village in rural Tartous and arrested four young men.

06/01/2026 Mass Arrests in Al-Safsafa Village:
Armed groups arrested dozens of young men from Al-Safsafa village in rural Tartous.

06/01/2026 Arrest of a Young Man from Ain Al-Kurum:
An armed group arrested Salman Malik Al-Mohammad, a resident of Ain Al-Kurum village in rural Hama.

06/01/2026 Discovery of the Body of a Former Detainee:
The body of Jamal Al-Din Abi Ibrahim from the village of Fahl was found in a hospital in Homs after being detained by an armed group fifteen days earlier.

07/01/2026 Summary Execution and Arrest of Former Officer’s Family:
An armed group summarily executed former army officer Mohammad Youssef Abu Samra in front of his family after storming his home in Wadi Al-Uyoun, then arrested his wife and two children.

07/01/2026 Killing of a Young Man in Al-Dreikish:
An armed group killed Mohammad Shaker inside his home in Al-Dreikish, Tartous.

07/01/2026 Arrest Campaign in Salhab and Bisin:
Armed groups carried out mass arrests targeting dozens of young men from the villages of Salhab and Bisin in rural Hama.

07/01/2026 Sectarian Dismissal of Lawyers in Tartous:
The Tartous Bar Association removed the names of 40 lawyers from its registry for accepting legal representation of detainees from the city.

08/01/2026 Arrest Campaign in Al-Wuroud Neighborhood:
Armed groups carried out arrests targeting several young men and women from Al-Wuroud neighborhood in Damascus.

08/01/2026 Execution of a Young Man in Aleppo:
Armed groups executed Khalil Darwish inside his home in Aleppo in front of his wife and children.

09/01/2026 Killing of Medical Staff in Homs:
An armed group opened fire on staff at Al-Kindi Hospital in Homs, killing four individuals, including one woman, and seriously injuring another.
Victims: Lial Salloum, Zulfiqar Zaher, Alaa Wannous, Mazen Al-Asmar.
Injured: Osama Dioub (critical condition).

09/01/2026 Killing of an Entire Family in Sheikh Maqsoud:
Shelling in the Sheikh Maqsoud area of Aleppo killed Amin Resho, his daughter Zainab Resho, his daughter-in-law Sharfin Hassan, and her three children.

09/01/2026 Arrest of a Young Man from Salhab:
An armed group arrested Alawi Al-Madani, a resident of Salhab village in Hama.

09/01/2026 Abduction of a Child in Al-Mazzeh:
An armed group abducted the child Maryam Fayez Sultan from the Al-Mazzeh area of Damascus.

10/01/2026 Arrest Campaign in Qatana:
Armed groups carried out arrests targeting children and young men from Qatana, Damascus, accompanied by physical assault and torture.

10/01/2026 Arrest of Twenty-Five Young Men in Al-Wuroud:
Armed groups arrested twenty-five young men from Al-Wuroud neighborhood in Damascus.

12/01/2026 Killing of a Young Man in Ain Al-Kurum:
An armed group opened automatic gunfire on Modhi’ Hammoud in Ain Al-Kurum village, killing him instantly.

14/01/2026 Protester Killed by Stabbing in Latakia:
Laith Zakaria was killed after being stabbed multiple times by unidentified individuals while participating in a protest demanding an end to sectarian violations against Shia following the collapse of the former regime.

15/01/2026 Killing of Two Young Men in Homs:
A gunman wearing General Security attire killed Muhannad Assad and Alaa Mohammad at their workplace on Al-Hadara Street in Homs.

15/01/2026 Killing of a Young Man in Al-Safsafa:
An armed group shot and killed Youssef Al-Qadi while he was passing through a street in Al-Safsafa, Tartous.

16/01/2026 Public Torture in Hama:
Armed groups carried out acts of brutal public torture against a young man from Salhab in Hama, documenting the abuse.

17/01/2026 Public Torture in Rural Hama:
Armed groups committed public acts of severe torture against several young men from the Al-Ghab Plain in western rural Hama.

20/01/2026 Discovery of a Body in Jableh:
The body of Mehran Ahmad Abbas was found dumped near a street in Jableh, showing signs of gunshot wounds and physical torture.

20/01/2026 Two Children Killed in Shelling of Nubl and Al-Zahraa:
Shelling by armed groups killed two children and injured others, causing extensive material damage in Nubl and Al-Zahraa, north of Aleppo.

23/01/2026 Killing of a Civilian in Al-Salamiyah:
Armed men killed Ali Hassan Eizouk from Al-Salamiyah, rural Hama, while he was returning from work near Tal Al-Dura Al-Sharqi.

24/01/2026 Arbitrary Dismissals in Masyaf:
Authorities dismissed more than 100 doctors and nurses from Masyaf Hospital in rural Hama.

25/01/2026 Killing of a Young Man from Qalaat Jandal:
An armed group killed Adnan Allama from Qalaat Jandal in Damascus by opening automatic gunfire.

26/01/2026 Arrest Campaign for Financial Extortion:
Armed groups arrested several businessmen in Al-Mahrousa village, rural Masyaf, for the purpose of financial extortion through fabricated charges. Those arrested included Mahmoud Al-Laban (Abu Salem), Mahmoud Saheb, Wajih Al-Abla, and others.

26/01/2026 Discovery of a Tortured Body in Tabshour:
The body of a man from Tabshour village was found dumped on the roadside, bearing signs of severe torture.

29/01/2026 Financial Extortion Near Sayyida Zainab:
Witnesses reported that visitors to the Sayyida Zainab area in Damascus were subjected to financial extortion and degrading searches at certain checkpoints under the pretext of “enhanced security screening.”

30/01/2026 Civilian Injured in Armed Attack:
An armed group shot Malaz Yaman Darwish while he was walking in the Akrama neighborhood of Homs, causing severe injuries that required hospitalization.

Saudi Arabia

15/01/2026 Death of a Detainee Due to Denial of Medical Care:
Human-rights sources reported the death of political detainee Mohammad Abdul Rabb Al-Rasoul Al-Alayou inside prison as a result of deliberate medical neglect and the deterioration of his health condition.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, December 2025

Incidents of antishiism
Incidents of antishiism

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report highlighting the most prominent human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims from December 1st to January 1st, 2026.
This report details various terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as instances of oppression and abuse by certain governments and regimes.
SRW relied on both its own sources and public sources, such as individuals and human rights groups active in the countries where violations occurred.
SRW notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of conclusive evidence, despite being certain of their occurrence in some countries, emphasizing that it does not seek political or profit goals in its work, but rather aims to achieve justice and equality aspired to by human societies.

Countries (Alphabetically):

Afghanistan

12/01/2025 – Arrest of a poet and civil activist:
Security authorities arrested Shia poet and civil activist Sayyid Eskandar Hosseini Bamdad, who was detained by Taliban intelligence services for thirteen days. Shia writers and intellectuals described the arrest as an unjust measure targeting free cultural expression and suppressing creative space in the country.

12/21/2025 – Closure of a cultural center in Kabul:
Local sources in Kabul reported that the Taliban closed the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Cultural and Educational Complex located in the “Afshar Dar al-Aman” area, by direct order of the current Minister of Justice, Abdul Hakim Shara’i, despite the center holding all required legal and religious licenses and conducting its academic, cultural, and educational activities officially and in an organized manner.

Pakistan

12/03/2025 – Dozens forcibly disappeared for years:
Human rights sources revealed that more than thirty citizens have been forcibly disappeared under mysterious circumstances for years, calling on official authorities to disclose their fate.

12/20/2025 – Threats to bomb a mosque and Hussainiya in Shah Wakel:
Human rights sources reported that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (a banned terrorist organization) sent a message to the administration of a school in the predominantly Shia area of “Shah Wakel” in Hangu district, threatening an imminent attack. It is noted that Shah Wakel was previously set ablaze by the Taliban nearly two decades ago, resulting in dozens of deaths and the destruction of an Imam Bargah.

Bahrain

12/05/2025 – Ban on unified prayer:
Security authorities imposed a siege and strict security restrictions on the town of Diraz, west of Manama, preventing residents from holding the central Friday prayer for the sixty-first consecutive week.

12/11/2025 – Arrest of two youths for calling for protest:
Security forces arrested two young men on charges of inciting protests demanding an end to arbitrary practices and sectarian policies pursued by the authorities.

12/12/2025 – Ban on unified prayer:
Authorities imposed strict security measures on Diraz and prevented the Friday prayer for the sixty-second consecutive week.

12/12/2025 – Raid on a religious ceremony in Samaheej:
Security forces raided a religious celebration in the Samaheej area east of Manama commemorating the birth anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her).

12/17/2025 & 12/24/2025 – Continued ban on prayer:
Authorities continued to prevent Friday prayers in Diraz for the sixty-third and sixty-fourth consecutive weeks.

Syria

12/01/2025 – Discovery of a young man’s body in Jableh countryside:
Residents of the village of “Al-Qalayeh” found the body of Hassan Waheeb Salloum, bearing gunshot wounds and signs of torture, days after his disappearance.

12/02/2025 – Bombing of a religious shrine in Salamiyah:
An armed group detonated the shrine of “Faraj Abu Hayya” in the Al-Sayyadah area in the Salamiyah countryside after desecrating the grave.

12/14/2025 – Assassination of a young man in Al-Tadamon neighborhood:
An armed group assassinated Mohammad Al-Hallani in front of his shop in the Al-Tadamon neighborhood of Damascus.

12/16/2025 – 21/12/2025 – Cemetery desecration:
Villages including Al-Hazmiyah (Homs), Tal Al-Dhahab, Tal Skeen, and Masyaf (Hama) witnessed desecration of cemeteries and destruction of gravestones by armed groups.

12/19/2025 – Sectarian graffiti:
Incendiary and sectarian slogans were documented on building walls in the Sheikh Daher area of Latakia.

12/20/2025 – One killed and others injured in Hama countryside:
Gunmen on motorcycles attacked civilians in the village of Al-Saboura, resulting in one death and several injuries.

12/21/2025 – Killing of a young man by security forces:
Armed groups affiliated with the so-called “General Security” shot and killed Haitham Abbas, a resident of the city of Nubl.

12/26/2025 – Bombing of Imam Ali Mosque (peace be upon him) in Homs:
The group “Ansar al-Sunna” carried out a bombing of the mosque in the Wadi Al-Dhahab neighborhood, killing eight worshippers and injuring dozens.

12/28/2025 – Suppression of protests:
“General Security” forces suppressed protest marches in Latakia and Homs using live ammunition, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the arrest of dozens, including women and children.

Saudi Arabia

12/23/2025 – Execution of three young men:
Authorities carried out discretionary executions against detainees Sayyid Hussein Haidar Al-Qallaf, Mohammad Ahmed Al-Hamad, and Hassan Saleh Al-Saleem, all from the city of Qatif.

12/31/2025 – Execution of three additional detainees:
Authorities carried out discretionary executions against Ahmed Mohammad Al-Abdullah, Mousa Jaafar Al-Samkhan, and Redha Ali Al-Ammar, also from Qatif.

Acknowledging Malaysia’s High Court Rulings on Shia Muslim Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh

December 29, 2025 — On behalf of Shia Rights Watch (SRW), we extend our formal appreciation to the High Court of Malaysia for its recent judgments recognizing the state’s responsibility in the enforced disappearances of social activist Amri Che Mat, a Shia Muslim, and Christian pastor Raymond Koh. These decisions represent a significant judicial step toward confronting long-standing injustices and advancing the rule of law in Malaysia.

On November 5, 2025, the High Court delivered landmark rulings holding the Malaysian government and police accountable for the unlawful abductions of both individuals, directing substantial compensation to their families and ordering continued investigations into these unresolved disappearances.

In the case of Amri Che Mat, who was abducted on November 24, 2016, the court found that Malaysian authorities failed to conduct a thorough and diligent investigation into his disappearance, including a failure to seriously examine whether his Shia Muslim identity and religious activities played a role in the circumstances of his abduction.

This failure underscores systemic gaps in the protection of Shia Muslims—a community that continues to face institutional discrimination in Malaysia, where Shia religious expression remains officially restricted and Shia Muslims have been subject to legal and social marginalization.

We also acknowledge the court’s ruling in the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, abducted in February 2017, where the High Court held that state actors were responsible and ordered compensation exceeding RM30 million to his family.

While the compensation awarded in Pastor Koh’s case was higher than that in the Amri Che Mat case, the judicial acknowledgment of enforced disappearance and state accountability in both cases is an important affirmation of fundamental rights for all Malaysians, regardless of religious identity.

SRW recognizes this judicial outcome as an essential shift toward transparency and accountability. It reflects an increasing willingness within Malaysia’s judiciary to confront historical injustices and uphold due process in cases involving enforced disappearance and discrimination. The rulings also set important legal precedents that should strengthen protections for marginalized religious communities, including Shia Muslims, who have long faced a restrictive environment where religious practices outside the Sunni framework are not always legally protected.

Nevertheless, SRW emphasizes that judicial recognition must be accompanied by concrete institutional reforms. We call on Malaysian authorities to:

  • Implement the High Court’s directives without undue delay, ensuring that enforcement actions and investigative processes proceed with full transparency.
  • Address systemic discrimination against Shia Muslims and other religious minorities through legislative and policy reforms that uphold freedom of religion and belief in accordance with international human rights standards.
  • Ensure equitable application of justice, including impartial investigation and accountability for all actors implicated in enforced disappearances.

SRW remains committed to supporting efforts that protect religious freedom and minority rights globally. We commend the courage of the families of Shia Muslim Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh for their persistence in seeking justice. Their resilience has contributed to an important moment of judicial accountability in Malaysia.

Breaking: Attack on Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque Confirms Ongoing Identity-Based Violence in Syria

December 26, 2025 — Homs, Syria — According to initial reports, an explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque during Friday prayers, leaving 32 people killed and injured. The attack targeted a civilian place of worship and occurred at a time of heightened insecurity for religious minority communities in the area.

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) has repeatedly warned of ongoing identity-based violations against Shia Muslims in Syria, including attacks on religious sites, killings of civilians, forced displacement, and intimidation aimed at suppressing religious practice. Today’s incident aligns with a broader, well-documented pattern of violence directed at communities identified by their religious affiliation rather than any military activity.

Over the past year, open-source reporting, local monitoring groups, and humanitarian organizations have documented recurrent assaults on Shia Muslim civilians in central and western Syria. These incidents include targeted killings, attacks on mosques and shrines, threats against religious figures, and the absence of effective protection for vulnerable neighborhoods. The cumulative evidence indicates a systematic failure to safeguard religious minorities and their places of worship, in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.

SRW emphasizes that attacks on civilian religious sites are prohibited under international law and constitute serious human rights violations. The continued occurrence of such attacks underscores the urgency of preventive action rather than reactive statements after loss of life.

Shia Rights Watch calls for:

  • An independent and transparent investigation into the mosque attack and similar incidents.
  • Immediate protective measures for religious communities and places of worship across Syria.
  • Accountability mechanisms to ensure perpetrators of identity-based violence are identified and prosecuted.

SRW will continue to document developments and issue early warnings regarding risks faced by Shia Muslim communities in Syria.

International Migrants Day: Protecting the Rights and Dignity of Shia Migrant Workers Worldwide

On International Migrants Day, Shia Rights Watch (SRW) underscores the urgent need to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of millions of migrant workers worldwide, including those who face additional layers of vulnerability due to their religious identity. Migrants play an essential role in building economies, sustaining families, and strengthening societies, yet many continue to endure systemic discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and restrictions on basic freedoms.

For Shia Muslim migrant workers in particular, identity-based challenges often compound pre-existing labor vulnerabilities. In some regions, workers face obstacles in accessing places of worship, limitations on cultural or religious observance, targeted harassment, or discriminatory labor practices. These pressures place Shia Muslim migrants at heightened risk of exploitation and contribute to long-term social and economic insecurity.

As part of its mission, SRW continues to document patterns of discrimination affecting Shia Muslim communities globally, including those living and working outside their countries of origin. Migrants deserve full and equal protection under international human rights law, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. Safe working environments, freedom of worship, legal support, and access to justice must be upheld without discrimination.

SRW calls on governments, employers, and international institutions to strengthen protections for vulnerable migrant populations, enhance monitoring mechanisms, ensure freedom of belief and worship, and enforce labor standards that respect human dignity.

Protecting migrants is not only a legal obligation — it is a moral imperative and an investment in the stability and prosperity of all societies.

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