Incidents of Anti-Shiism, February 2024

Shia Rights Watch has released its February 2025 report, documenting the most significant human rights violations committed against Shia individuals and communities worldwide.

SRW emphasizes that its teams could only verify some of the reported violations through collaboration with human rights activists and civil society organizations. However, numerous field indicators suggest the occurrence of many other violations that could not be confirmed due to lack of witnesses or sufficient evidence.

Here is SRW’s monthly human rights report on violations committed against Shia Muslims from February 1 to March 1, 2025.

The report highlights numerous terrorist attacks carried out by extremist groups targeting Shia individuals, as well as state-sponsored oppression and abuse against Shia communities in several countries.

Note: Shia Rights Watch has compiled this report based on independent sources, human rights activists, and civil society organizations. The organization refrains from reporting cases without strong evidence, despite its firm belief in the occurrence of such violations. Shia Rights Watch reiterates its non-political and non-profit stance, advocating solely for justice and equality for all.

Afghanistan

2/1/2025: Dozens of Shia Muslims in Badakhshan province were forcibly converted to Sunni Islam by Taliban authorities, who accused them of heresy. The coercion extended to men, women, and children.

2/11/2025: At least 18 people were killed and 45 injured in a terrorist bombing outside a bank in Kunduz, where employees were gathering to receive their salaries.

Pakistan

2/1/2025: Over half a million Shia Muslims remain under siege by extremist groups, while authorities fail to secure aid convoys, which have been repeatedly attacked.

2/1/2025: Armed extremists launched rockets targeting Shia communities in the Lower Kurram region.

2/1/2025: Educational institutions in Parachinar were forced to shut down due to fuel and supply shortages caused by the ongoing extremist siege.

2/14/2025: A bomb explosion in Quetta killed nine people and injured several others.

2/15/2025: Activist Syed Tanveer Hussain was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Dera Ismail Khan.

2/17/2025: A humanitarian convoy heading to Parachinar was attacked by armed extremists, resulting in the death of several truck drivers and significant damage to the convoy.

2/18/2025: A suicide attack on a police vehicle in Quetta killed nine peopleand injured others.

2/19/2025: A terrorist group ambushed a passenger bus on a highway near Quetta, executing two Shia passengers.

Bahrain

2/15/2025: The Bahraini government revoked the citizenship of 700 naturalized Pakistanis and deported them due to their Shia faith.

2/18/2025: Bahraini authorities blocked Shia worshippers from attending Friday prayers for four consecutive weeks, restricting access to mosques in Druze.

Lebanon

2/5/2025: The Israeli military destroyed dozens of houses belonging to Shia farmers in Rabb al-Thalathin and Yaroun.

2/16/2025: Israeli fighter jets bombed the town of Jarjouaa, killing and injuring several Shia civilians.

2/1/2025: Armed groups stirred chaos and panic inside the mosque and shrine of Sayyida Zainab (peace be upon her) and prevented worshippers from performing prayers.

2/1/2025: Citizens complained of forced displacement, home looting, theft, property destruction, and threats by armed groups in the villages of Talisiya, Zagheba, Ma’an, Marioud, Al-Mabtane, Abu Mansef, Al-Touba Al-Sheiha, Al-Fan Al-Wastani, and Al-Fan Al-Qibli due to their adherence to the Shia sect.

2/1/2025: The residents of Al-Sharqiya village in rural Homs received the bodies of Louay Ali Al-Jabr and Gaith Youssef Badour after they were arrested by armed groups. Their bodies bore signs of torture.

2/1/2025: The family of young man Hikmat Younis found his body in a hospital in Homs after he was arrested by armed groups from Al-Kanisa village following a raid carried out by these groups days earlier.

2/1/2025: A terrorist armed group calling itself “Ansar Al-Sunna” announced its intent to target all Shias in Syria.

2/1/2025: Security forces arrested two residents of the Sayyida Zainab (peace be upon her) area, Hajj Ahmed Hajj Ali and his brother Adnan Hajj Ali, and took them to an unknown location.

2/2/2025: The family of young man Thaer Hamdoush found his body in a Homs hospital days after his arrest during a raid conducted by armed groups in the village.

2/2/2025: The body of detainee Mohammed Younis Mansour was found days after he was arrested by armed groups conducting raids in the village.

2/2/2025: The bodies of 15 young men from Arza village were found after they were arrested and executed by Takfiri groups before their bodies were dumped on the banks of the Orontes River.

2/3/2025: Terrorist groups burned and destroyed the shrine of Sheikh in the village of Tal Abdul Aziz in rural Hama.

2/3/2025: In Homs’ Al-Waleed suburb, extremist groups forcibly displaced several Shia residents, barring them from taking their belongings, in a sectarian-driven expulsion.

2/4/2025: The body of Fayed Issa Wehbe was found with signs of torture days after his arrest in the Qudsaya area of rural Damascus.

2/5/2025: The body of young man Alaa Al-Ali from Dbeen village in rural Homs was found dumped in one of the streets of Al-Qusayr area.

2/6/2025: An armed group randomly opened fire at passersby in a street in Latakia while chanting sectarian insults, killing young men Hassan Kousa and Fadi Shamlass instantly.

2/7/2025: Armed groups attacked and stormed the town of Hawik on the Lebanese border, forcing Shia residents to leave, causing a mass exodus into Lebanese territory.

2/7/2025: Individuals claiming affiliation with the authorities imposed the teaching of books by Ibn Taymiyyah in educational institutions, books that label Druze, Alawites, Shias, and Sufis as infidels.

2/8/2025: A Takfiri group beheaded retired teacher Hussein Ibrahim Al-Mohammed, who was in his seventies, in front of his home in Al-Tuwaim village in rural Hama. The village has been subjected to looting, theft, and property seizures after most of its residents were displaced for sectarian reasons.

2/8/2025: The residents of Sahl Al-Musharifa village found the bodies of Ahmad Jamoul, his wife Reem Suleiman, and their son Fater slaughtered and dumped on the roadside days after they were reported missing.

2/9/2025: Armed groups raided the village of Al-Zaina in rural Masyaf and arrested several young men for sectarian reasons. Among those known to be arrested are Younis Khaddour, Aws Younis Khaddour, Akram Salloum, Laith Salloum, Karam Salloum, Ali Khaddour, and Amin Khaddour.

2/10/2025: The bodies of young men who mysteriously disappeared days ago were found dumped by the roadside in several areas. Among the identified victims are brothers Murtada and Ali Mesto, Hussein Zyoud, and brothers Mohammed and Amjad Shdoud.

2/12/2025: A document issued by a terrorist court ordered the execution of two young men, Rami Abdulrahman Haidar Khamis and Ali Hafiz Mohammed Ibrahim, by flogging them to death due to their Shia identity.

2/12/2025: An armed group shot and killed citizen Shawkat Ahmad and his wife Najah Suleiman from the town of Basira Al-Jard.

2/12/2025: The body of young man Ali Saleh Salman was found in Al-Waleed Hospital in Homs with a gunshot wound to the head.

2/13/2025: An armed group shot and killed young man Tamam Shhoud from Mhardeh village in rural Hama.

2/14/2025: An armed group shot and killed young man Abdullah Al-Qasim from Shlouh village in rural Hama.

2/14/2025: An armed group shot and killed Sayyed Issa Sharba, a 60-year-old resident of Tasnin village in rural Homs.

2/14/2025: The body of 65-year-old Abdullah Hussein Abu Hassan was found in Al-Salamiya Hospital days after he was arrested from his home in Um Al-Amad village.

2/15/2025: The mutilated body of sanitation worker Imad Metwaj from Baksaa village in rural Latakia was found days after he was kidnapped.

2/16/2025: A Takfiri armed group attacked a café in Latakia, killing young man Ali Jamal Laili.

2/16/2025: A terrorist armed group using silenced weapons shot and killed Sayyed Ali Morab in Jableh, Latakia.

2/16/2025: An armed group arrested five young men from Sheikh Saeed in Aleppo and executed four of them, injuring the fifth.

2/16/2025: An armed group executed young man Ghadeer Dardar while he was working on his farm in Al-Hadiya village in rural Homs.

2/16/2025: An armed group stormed the home of citizen Anwar Al-Hassan, shot and killed him, and injured his son in Tasnin village in rural Homs.

2/17/2025: Armed groups kidnapped student Fatima Wael Hamza from Al-Zahraa town while she was on her way to school.

2/18/2025: The body of citizen Ali Deeb Naqi was found in Homs Hospital, bearing signs of torture.

2/18/2025: An armed group opened fire on residential homes in Jisr Harisoun in the city of Baniyas, killing citizen Youssef Hassan Jalouk and injuring young man Youssef Fayad.

2/20/2025: Armed groups forcibly displaced Shia residents of Jib Al-Jandali neighborhood, looted their properties, and assaulted them with beatings and insults.

2/21/2025: An armed force arrested Sheikh Adham Al-Khatib in the Sayyida Zainab (peace be upon her) area after physically assaulting him and his son.

2/22/2025: Armed groups stormed the shrine of Sheikh Abbas Al-Nasir in rural Homs and forced displaced families taking refuge there to leave, despite their earlier forced displacement for sectarian reasons.

2/22/2025: Armed groups stormed Al-Mustafa Mosque in Babila town and forced Shia worshippers to leave with the intent to seize the mosque.

2/23/2025: A Takfiri group arrested brothers Manhal Al-Ahmad and Ramadan Al-Ahmad, then killed and burned their bodies in Bisin village, Hama.

2/23/2025:The body of young man Mousa Hassan Al-Shamali was found in a Homs hospital days after he was kidnapped by an armed group in Al-Mazraa neighborhood.

2/23/2025: Syrian endowment authorities issued a decision to seize Al-Mustafa Mosque from the Shia community and dismissed Sheikh Adham Al-Khatib from his duties in an arbitrary move directly targeting Shia Muslims.

2/25/2025: The bodies of father Zaher Hassan and his daughter Alaa were found slaughtered inside their home in Al-Burjiyat neighborhood, Homs.

2/25/2025: Terrorist groups shelled residents of Jibourin village using mortar rounds.

2/26/2025: Armed groups opened fire on a demonstration condemning human rights violations in Qardaha, killing three young men and injuring more than ten others.

2/26/2025: The body of Ahmed Youssef Mohammed from Qudsaya was found days after he was arrested by an armed group.

2/26/2025: Armed groups stormed Ain Shami village in rural Homs, killing citizen Bahaa Salman Khaddour before arresting several individuals, including:

Yasser Mohammed Suleiman
Abdel-Ghani Asaad
Ali Ahmed Badour (age 74)
Youshaa Ali
Munjed Anqa
Laith Anqa
Ahmed Abbas
Qusai Suleiman
Hafez Saleha
Yasser Saleha
Khodr Saqr
Ahmed Eid
Ahmed Saqr
Basel Wajih Ali
Ahmed Wajih Ali
Imad Ali
Ahmed Ali Ibrahim
Fadi Asaad
Salman Mohammed Hassan (engineer)
Professor Aziz Kasser Mahmoud
Professor Aziz Anwar Al-Ali
Badr Mohammed Ali
Professor Samir Mohammed Ali
Imad Mohammed Ali
Taleb Ali
Taleb Abu Al-Reesh
Mohammed Zaidoun
Malek Saqr
Ahmed Khaddour
Ali Khaddour

2/27/2025: Armed groups arrested over a hundred young men from rural Masyaf, forcing many to flee into the mountains.

2/27/2025: Armed groups stormed Ain Shams village in rural Masyaf, beheaded Ali Shahin Al-Suleiman, and ran over his body with vehicles, despite his recent release from detention.

2/27/2025: Armed groups conducted a wide-scale forced displacement campaign targeting Shia and Christian residents in Al-Assad Suburb.

2/27/2025: Armed groups launched a widespread arrest campaign in Qatana, rural Damascus, targeting over a hundred young men while subjecting them to sectarian insults and abuse.

2/27/2025: Armed groups opened fire on a group of young men in Kharab area in Baniyas, killing four:

Kinan Al-Ali
Tarek Al-Ali
Habib Zaher
Bashar Al-Fleih (a disabled person in a wheelchair)

Saudi Arabia

2/1/2025: The Saudi government is preparing to execute six Shia men, including Abdullah Al-Darazi, Jalal Al-Labbad, Yusuf Muhammad Mahdi Al-Munassif, Jawad Abdullah Qureiris, Hassan Zaki Al-Faraj, and businessman Saud Al-Faraj.

2/1/2025: Ali Salman Al-Laif from Al-Awamiya, Qatif, was executed by Saudi authorities.

Iraq

2/10/2025: A bomb explosion killed a Shia security guard responsible for protecting Samarra.

2/11/2025: A war relic explosion in Al-Qurna, Basraseriously injured seven children.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, January 2024

Shia Rights Watch has released its January 2025 report, documenting the most significant human rights violations committed against Shia individuals and communities worldwide.

This report provides a detailed account of terrorist attacks, armed assaults, bombings, and systematic oppression carried out against Shia Muslims in various countries.

SRW emphasizes that its teams could only verify some of the reported violations through collaboration with human rights activists and civil society organizations. However, numerous field indicators suggest the occurrence of many other violations that could not be confirmed due to lack of witnesses or sufficient evidence.

Here is SRW’s monthly human rights report on violations committed against Shia Muslims from January 1, 2025, to February 1, 2025.

The report highlights numerous terrorist attacks carried out by extremist groups targeting Shia individuals, as well as state-sponsored oppression and abuse against Shia communities in several countries.

Note: Shia Rights Watch has compiled this report based on independent sources, human rights activists, and civil society organizations. The organization refrains from reporting cases without strong evidence, despite its firm belief in the occurrence of such violations. Shia Rights Watch reiterates its non-political and non-profit stance, advocating solely for justice and equality for all.

Pakistan

01/01/2025 – Siege results in the deaths of over 200 people

Health data from a hospital in Upper Kurram confirms that a blockade imposed by extremist groups has led to severe shortages of food and medicine, causing over 200 deaths, including women and children.

01/04/2025 – Protester killed in Malir

Pakistani security forces shot and killed Ali Raza Rizvi, a protester demanding the lifting of the siege on Parachinar. More than 20 others were injured by police gunfire.

01/16/2025 – Extremist groups attack humanitarian aid convoy

Terrorist groups ambushed a convoy carrying food and medical aid to Kurram, setting all trucks on fire and leaving civilians stranded without assistance.

01/17/2025 – Shia civilian kidnapped and executed

Extremists abducted and executed a Shia citizen, Saqib Hasnain, while he was returning home to Kurram.

01/18/2025 – Extremists massacre eight Shia youth and desecrate their bodies

Extremist groups kidnapped, tortured, and executed eight Shia truck drivers attempting to deliver aid to Kurram. Their bodies were mutilated and left by the roadside.

01/18/2025 – Extremists attack Balashkhel village

An armed attack on Balashkhel village in Kurram resulted in the killing of a young Shia man named Waseem Kamal.

01/23/2025 – Bombing targets Shia mosque in Kulachi

A suicide bombing struck the entrance of Imam Bargah Mosque in Kulachi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing extensive damage to nearby homes and businesses.

01/24/2025 – Human rights activist arrested

Pakistani authorities arrested Muzammil Hussain Fasih, a civil rights activist, for criticizing the government’s inactionin lifting the siege on Kurram.

01/24/2025 – Attack on a Shia religious monument in Lahore

Extremists attacked a Shia religious site in Lahore’s Shadbagh district, resulting in one death and another person seriously injured.

01/31/2025 – Women and children injured in Kurram attack

A new round of extremist attacks on the besieged town left six civilians, including women, seriously injured.

Bahrain

January 3, 11, 17, 31 – Friday prayers banned in Diraz

Bahraini authorities continued their four-month-long ban on the largest Shia Friday prayer congregation at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Diraz. The area was heavily militarized with armed forces blocking access to the mosque.

01/8/2025 – Employment discrimination against Shia citizens

A parliamentary investigation revealed that over 20,000 Bahrainis remain unemployed, while 600,000 foreign workers are employed in the country.

01/17/2025 – Arbitrary arrests

Authorities arrested Abdullah Yusuf Al-Mo’athin in Samaheej and Hassan Jaafar Masoud in Aker without cause.

Lebanon

01/22/2025 – Shia cleric assassinated

Sheikh Mohammed Hammadi was murdered by unknown gunmen in West Bekaa.

01/26/2025 – Conflict in lebanon kill 22 civilians, injure 124

Attack on southern Lebanon resulted in the killing of 22 civilians and injuries to 124 others, many of whom were attempting to return to their homes.

Syria

01/01/2025 – Mass arrests and killings in Homs and Latakia

A large-scale ethnic cleansing campaign targeted Shia villages in Homs and Latakia, involving:

Widespread arbitrary arrests
Extrajudicial executions
Looting and destruction of homes
Forced displacement of Shia families

01/01/2025 – Cleric abducted in Hama

An unknown group abducted Sheikh Ghadir Mousa Al-Hamdan, a caretaker of Zain Al-Abideen Shrine in Hama.

01/01/2025 – Six shrine caretakers executed in Sayyidah Zainab

Six caretakers of Sayyidah Zainab Shrine were abducted and summarily executed. The victims were:

Mousa Ahmed Al-Diyab
Hassan Faisal Al-Diyab
Hussein Zakaria Al-Haj Hassan
Yahya Zakaria Al-Haj Hassan
Jaafar Younis Hassan
Hassan Mohammed Al-Hajji Al-Mousawi

01/01/2025 – Seven Shia youths abducted in Homs

Extremist militants kidnapped seven Shia youths at a checkpoint in Homs. Five of them were later found executed, their bodies dumped on the banks of the Orontes River.

01/01/2025 – Young man executed for being Alawite

A young Alawite man from Al-Sheeha village, Hama was abducted and executed for his sectarian affiliation. His body was dumped by the roadside.

01/02/2025 – Dozens of Alawite soldiers executed in Deir ez-Zor

Over dozens of Alawite soldiers were found executed in the deserts of Deir ez-Zor and Homs.

01/04/2025 – Large-scale attacks on Alawites in Wadi Al-Dhahab, Homs

Several Alawite youths in Wadi Al-Dhahab, Homs, were violently assaulted due to their sectarian identity.

01/04/2025 – Family slaughtered in Al-Zahraa, Homs

A family of Alawites was brutally murdered in their home in Al-Zahraa, Homs. All members were stabbed to death with knives.

01/04/2025 – 500 Alawites arrested in eastern Homs

A military raid targeted Alawite villages in eastern Homs, leading to the arrest of over 500 young men.

01/05/2025 – Forced displacement in Mukharram Al-Fouqani, Homs

A military force expelled all Shia residents from Mukharram Al-Fouqani, leading to an unknown number of displaced families.

01/06/2025 – Execution of two young Shia men in Homs

Two young Alawite men were abducted and executed by a terrorist group.

01/06/2025 – Desecration of Mohsen ibn Hussein Shrine in Aleppo

Extremists vandalized and desecrated the shrine of Mohsen ibn Hussein in Aleppo.

01/08/2025 – Destruction of religious symbols in Nubl and Al-Zahraa

Unknown militants burned Hussaini flags and banners in the Shia towns of Nubl and Al-Zahraa, while shouting sectarian slurs at residents.

01/08/2025 – Mass execution of six Shia men in Homs

The bodies of six Shia men were found in an orchard in Homs, bearing signs of extreme torture and execution.

01/08/2025 – Mass graves discovered in Homs

Locals discovered a mass grave containing the bodies of four Shia siblings in Tasnayn village, Homs.

01/08/2025 – Elderly Alawite couple murdered in Hama

Sheikh Ali Abdul Latif Deeb and his wife Nariman Hadeed, an elderly Alawite couple, were kidnapped and executed in Duniba village, Hama.

01/09/2025 – Ethnic cleansing in Al-Safira, Aleppo

Residents of Al-Safira town in Aleppo were threatened with death if they did not leave their homes, leading to mass displacement.

01/09/2025 – 700 Shia employees dismissed from jobs in Tartous

A government-affiliated authority forcibly dismissed over 700 Shia employees from their jobs in Tartous for sectarian reasons.

01/10/2025 – 40 Shia civilians executed in Al-Salihiya, Homs

Militants executed 40 Shia men in Al-Salihiya village, Homs for their sectarian identity.

01/12/2025 – Massacre of Shia youth in Baniyas

Armed extremists kidnapped and executed multiple Alawite men in Baniyas.

01/14/2025 – Religious leader arrested for condemning massacres

A militant group arrested Sheikh Saleh Mansour, a representative of the Alawite community, for denouncing the ongoing massacres.

01/15/2025 – 200 Alawites disappear in Homs raids

A mass arrest operation in Homs led to the disappearance of over 200 Alawite civilians, including women and children.

01/15/2025 – Alawite demining expert assassinated

Lieutenant Ali Abdul-Razzaq Wannous, a demining expert, was assassinated after being deceived into clearing explosives in Idlib.

01/17/2025 – Hundreds of Alawites arrested in Homs countryside

Armed groups arrested hundreds of Alawite civilians in Jabbourin and Tasneen, torching homes and looting valuables.

01/21/2025 – Massacre in Al-Ghour village

At least 10 young Shia men were publicly executed, while dozens more were abducted and taken to an unknown location.

01/22/2025 – Mass execution of Shia villagers in western Homs

Extremist groups killed dozens of villagers in Al-Ghouzeila and Khirbet after military forces withdrew.

01/28/2025 – 204 Shia civilians killed in Homs in 2025

A human rights report confirmed that 204 Shia civilians, including five women and one child, were killed in Homssince the beginning of 2025.

Saudi Arabia

01/17/2025 – Shia prisoner executed

Abdullah Ahmed Al-Salim, a Shia prisoner from Qatif, was executed by Saudi authorities.

01/18/2025 – Shia religious singer arrested

Mohammed Bu Jbara, a Shia religious reciter from Al-Ahsa, was arrested for performing a religious poem.

01/28/2025 – Another Shia detainee executed

Ali Abdul Jalil Mansour Al-Suleiman, a Qatif resident, was executed, marking the second execution of a Shia prisoner in 2025.

Shia Rights Violations (December 2024)

A Stark Snapshot of Human Rights Violations

Shia Rights Violations in December 2024

The Shia Rights Watch report paints a grim picture of sustained anti-Shia discrimination and violence worldwide. Countries like Pakistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Syria exemplify how Shia communities are systematically targeted, often with state complicity or indifference.

Pakistan’s Parachinar is a humanitarian tragedy, where extremist militias have encircled the city, cutting essential supplies and causing the deaths of over 128 children due to medical shortages. Such deliberate sieges are a stark reminder of sectarian violence’s devastating impact on innocent civilians.

Similarly, Bahrain’s authoritarian measures against its Shia citizens highlight a more institutionalized form of anti-Shia discrimination. The barring of Friday prayers for 13 consecutive weeks and the documented deaths of detainees from neglect expose the severity of human rights violations. These actions show a troubling pattern of religious intolerance aimed at erasing Shia cultural and religious expression.

In Syria and Lebanon, extremist groups operate with near-impunity, targeting Shia civilians through kidnappings, bombings, and desecration of sacred sites. Such acts not only threaten lives but also seek to erase the identity and heritage of Shia communities.

Shia Rights Watch continues to act as a vital voice for the oppressed, amplifying these atrocities on the global stage. The organization’s efforts are critical to fostering international awareness and promoting dialogue to safeguard religious freedoms. The findings should encourage policymakers and human rights organizations to address the systemic marginalization of Shia Muslims and push for meaningful reforms.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, December 2024

Shia Rights Watch released its December 2024 report, detailing significant human rights violations targeting Shia Muslim individuals and communities across various countries. The six-page document highlights terror attacks, armed assaults, bombings, and systemic suppression and abuse in several nations.

The report underscores the challenges of documenting abuses due to limited access to reliable evidence and witnesses. It was compiled with the assistance of human rights activists and civil organizations, although many violations likely remain undocumented.

Summary of Violations by Country

Pakistan

Humanitarian Crisis in Parachinar (Dec 1): Extremist groups have imposed a military siege on Parachinar for over two months, causing severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Official reports indicate 128 children have died in the last 85 days due to lack of medicine. Authorities delivered one ton of medical supplies via helicopter.
Gruesome Killings (Dec 22): Terrorists in Parachinar abducted and executed two Shia residents, Ishaq Hussain and Waseem Abbas, documenting their brutal murder in a video.
Arrest of Shia Cleric (Dec 22): Security forces arrested Shia cleric Sayyed Yashan Ali at Islamabad Airport after he fled Syria due to threats from extremist groups.

Bahrain

Medical Neglect in Prison (Dec 5): Prisoner Hussein Ali Aman died due to deliberate medical negligence in Bahrain’s notorious Jau Prison.
Ban on Shia Friday Prayers: Authorities have continued blocking the largest Shia Friday congregational prayers in Diraz for 13 consecutive weeks, deploying heavy security forces.
Health Crisis (Dec 9): The health of detainee Ammar Abdulghani has severely deteriorated due to neglect in Jau Prison, raising fears of his death.
Violent Crackdown on Prison Protest (Dec 9): Security forces raided prison buildings to end protests following Aman’s death. Tear gas and batons were used, causing severe injuries among detainees.
Sectarian Job Discrimination (Dec 15): Reports revealed continued exclusion of Shia citizens from government jobs, with preference given to foreign workers granted citizenship.

Lebanon

Family Killed in Israeli Airstrike (Dec 3): An Israeli strike killed six members of a family, including a child and a woman, in Haris, southern Lebanon.
Terror Attack in Tripoli (Dec 11): Extremists attacked a bus driver for refusing to denounce his Shia faith.
Abduction of Refugees (Dec 29): Armed groups in Tripoli kidnapped several Shia refugees from Syria, leaving their fate unknown.

Syria

Blocked Evacuation (Dec 3): Extremist groups prevented the Syrian Red Crescent from evacuating over 2,000 displaced civilians from Nubl and Al-Zahraa, resulting in multiple deaths due to harsh conditions.
Desecration of Religious Shrines: Attacks on Alawite and Shia sites included vandalizing the shrine of Abu Abdullah al-Husseini and killing its caretakers (Dec 6).

Shia Rights Watch Advocates for Shia Muslims in Parachinar and Peshawar with Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Shia Rights Watch Advocates for Shia Muslims in Parachinar and Peshawar with Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh

Shia Rights Watch’s Executive Director, Mustafa Akhwand, met with the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, to discuss the ongoing violence and unrest in Parachinar and Peshawar. During the meeting, Akhwand presented a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting the pressing concerns of the Shia Muslim community and the urgent need for protective measures.

The dialogue focused on the escalating violence targeting Shia Muslims, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a pervasive sense of insecurity. Akhwand emphasized the need for immediate action to address these challenges, including enhanced security measures, victim support programs, and recognition of the sectarian nature of the attacks. The ambassador listened attentively to the concerns and acknowledged the gravity of the situation.

The letter delivered by Shia Rights Watch outlined actionable recommendations to ensure the safety and dignity of Shia communities. These included increasing security presence in vulnerable areas, ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence through impartial investigations, reopening critical travel routes, and providing humanitarian aid to affected families. Additionally, the letter underscored the importance of promoting dialogue between communities to foster coexistence and mutual respect.

“Parachinar and Peshawar represent vibrant communities that have faced relentless challenges. These incidents of violence are not only an affront to human rights but also to the principles of unity and diversity that Pakistan was built upon,” said Mustafa Akhwand. “We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively to bring peace to these regions and restore hope to the affected families.”

The meeting also included prominent community representatives, including Faqir Naqvi and Waseem Naqvi (Imam Ali Center), Maulana Sulaiman Hasan (Imam al-Asr Masjid), and Haider Zaidi (Muhammadia Center). The delegation collectively stressed the necessity of high-level interventions to protect vulnerable populations and called for long-term strategies to address the root causes of sectarian violence.

In addition to engaging the Pakistani government, Shia Rights Watch has reached out to the U.S. administration, urging them to apply diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to implement meaningful reforms. Shia Rights Watch remains committed to advocating for sustainable solutions to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Shia Muslims in Pakistan and beyond.

The ambassador assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be conveyed to key decision-makers in Pakistan and pledged to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

The Escalating Brutality of Militants in Syria Against Shia Muslims

Militants’s Continued Oppression in Syria

Militants, groups in Idlib province, have intensified their oppressive actions, targeting minority groups, particularly Shia Muslims. Under the pretense of governance, Militants enforce strict control over regions their occupie, suppressing dissent and subjecting minorities to acts of violence and intimidation—actions that mirror the atrocities of ISIS.

Kidnappings and Intimidation

Recent reports indicate that Militant groups are escalating thier campaign of persecution. Shia Muslims in regions under its control face harassment, detention, and enforced disappearances. Locals and activists describe these acts as deliberate strategies to consolidate power through fear. The release of a recent video by Militants shows their fighters interrogating handcuffed men from Hama, Nobol, and Al-Zahra, questioning them about their religious identity as Shia Muslims. While the fate of these men remains unclear, the group’s violent history raises fears for their safety.

HTS’s public relations efforts to appear as a legitimate governing entity crumble in the face of these actions. Reports of brutal interrogations and threats of execution reveal its commitment to extremist ideologies, which prioritize sectarian violence over governance.

Parallels with ISIS

Despite its attempts to distance itself from ISIS ideologically, Some of these militants employ remarkably similar tactics. The group’s targeted oppression of Shia Muslims recalls the sectarian terror campaigns that defined ISIS’s reign. Kidnappings, threats, and publicized acts of brutality demonstrate militant’s reliance on fear to maintain control and suppress opposition.

International Warnings Ignored

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) has repeatedly condemned militant’s actions, urging the international community to intervene. Despite clear warnings of the dangers posed by some of these militant, the global response has been alarmingly passive, allowing the group to operate with impunity. This inaction emboldens HTS, leaving vulnerable communities, such as Shia Muslims, exposed to escalating violence.

Call for Global Action

The time for international inaction has long passed. The atrocities committed by militant gorups are stark reminders of the persistent threats faced by minorities in conflict zones. Without urgent intervention, the cycle of oppression will continue, deepening the plight of vulnerable populations. To address this crisis, Shia Rights Watch calls for:

Immediate Investigations: Launching independent inquiries into militant’s human rights violations.
Sanctions and Restrictions: Imposing targeted measures on militant leadership to disrupt its operations.
Protection Measures: Establishing mechanisms to safeguard at-risk communities in militant-controlled areas.

Global human rights organizations and governments must prioritize justice and protection for Syria’s marginalized populations. militant’s brutality cannot be ignored. It is imperative to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further loss of life and restore human dignity.

Shia Under Siege: Fear, Exodus, and Survival in the Face of Militant Aggression

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) expresses profound concern over the recent developments in Aleppo, particularly the seizure of the predominantly Shia neighborhoods of Noble and Al-Zahraa by militant groups. This militant group, known for its extremist ideology and history of targeting Shia communities, poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of Shia residents in these areas.

HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, has a documented history of hostility towards Shia Muslims. Notably, in March 2017, HTS claimed responsibility for a twin bombing in Damascus’s Old City, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals, including 43 Iraqi pilgrims. The group justified the attack by labeling the victims as “Iranian militias,” a term often used derogatorily against Shia Muslims. Such rhetoric has perpetuated a cycle of violence and fear among Shia communities in Syria and beyond.

The recent offensive led by militants in Aleppo marks the most significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s authority in years. Reports indicate that fighters, employing sophisticated weaponry such as drones, have taken control of several neighborhoods in Aleppo and have disrupted critical infrastructure, including the M5 highway. This escalation has left Shia residents fearing for their lives, as the group’s notorious track record includes violent atrocities specifically targeting Shia men, women, and children.

The situation has led to a mass exodus of Shia families from these areas. Entire neighborhoods have been abandoned as residents flee in search of safety. For many, the decision to leave is not merely a precaution but a matter of survival. Families who have lived in these regions for generations are now displaced, carrying the trauma of leaving their homes, livelihoods, and communities behind. The fear of persecution and violence is palpable, with many fearing that remaining in these areas would make them easy targets for militant’s brutal campaigns.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in northwest Syria since November 27, 2024. The UN rights office is verifying several deadly incidents resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children. Notably, they are investigating alleged HTS strikes on students in Aleppo on November 29, which reportedly killed four people. These incidents further highlight the urgent need for international intervention.

Given anti-shia group’s history of targeting Shia communities and the current volatile situation in Aleppo, SRW urges the international community to take immediate action to protect Shia civilians in the affected areas. This includes providing safe passages for those fleeing the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches displaced populations, and taking diplomatic measures to pressure militants and their supporters to halt their aggression.

It is imperative to prevent further atrocities and ensure the safety and security of all vulnerable populations in the region. SRW also calls upon human rights organizations and global leaders to amplify the voices of the displaced and persecuted, ensuring that the plight of Shia Muslims in Noble, Al-Zahraa, and Aleppo is not overlooked amid the broader Syrian conflict. Without urgent and decisive action, the lives of thousands of Shia civilians remain in jeopardy.

Shia Rights Violations (November 2024)

Shia Rights Watch’s December 2024 report starkly illustrates the ongoing plight of Shia Muslims across various nations. The documented incidents reflect the persistent nature of sectarian violence and institutionalized discrimination against Shia communities.

Patterns of Violence

The report reveals systematic targeting of Shia populations by extremist groups such as ISIS, the Taliban, and local militant organizations. In countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria, mass killings, displacements, and destruction of religious sites signify attempts at ethnic cleansing. In Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, state policies and institutional oppression further exacerbate the marginalization of Shia Muslims.

International Implications

The lack of global response underscores the urgent need for organizations like Shia Rights Watch to amplify these issues. Despite overwhelming evidence, the international community has largely failed to hold perpetrators accountable or to provide adequate support for affected populations.

Recommendations

Shia Rights Watch advocates for:

Enhanced international monitoring of sectarian violence.
Greater transparency and accountability for governments implicated in rights abuses.
Support for displaced Shia communities through humanitarian aid.

The recurring atrocities call for immediate attention and intervention to prevent further escalation.

Read the detailed Report

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, November 2024

Shia Rights Watch (SRW), the international organization dedicated to defending Shia rights, has released its monthly report covering the major human rights violations against Shia Muslims from November 1 to December 1, 2024.

The report highlights terrorist attacks carried out by extremist groups against Shia individuals, alongside oppression and mistreatment by various regimes and governments. SRW emphasizes its reliance on verified sources, including its own networks and human rights activists in affected regions. Some violations remain unreported due to insufficient evidence, as the organization prioritizes credibility and transparency in its mission to achieve justice and equality.

Country-Specific Incidents

Iran

11/10 Armed terrorist groups attacked a security checkpoint in Saravan, killing five people.

Afghanistan

11/1 The Taliban demolished thousands of Shia-owned homes in Dasht-e-Barchi, Kabul, displacing tens of thousands and killing innocent civilians, including children.

11/2 Two Shia clerics, Sayyed Mohammad Akbari and Sayyed Hossein Azimi, were arrested in Herat and taken to unknown locations.

Pakistan

11/1 A roadside bombing in Quetta targeted a medical team conducting a polio vaccination campaign, killing seven, including children.

11/5 Gunmen killed two men and a woman in Parachinar.

11/9 A bomb attack on Quetta’s train station killed 17 and injured over 50.

11/13 Civil activist Haider Raza was assassinated in Karachi by terrorists.

11/21 Extremists massacred over 110 civilians, including 12 infants, near Parachinar. Many homes and markets were destroyed.

11/23 Another attack in Parachinar resulted in casualties, thwarted by local resistance.

11/30 Extremist groups released videos of executions and torture of abducted Parachinar residents.

Bahrain

Authorities banned Shia congregational prayers in Diraz for four consecutive weeks.

11/25 Prisoners at Jaw Prison reported mistreatment, denial of basic rights, and a lack of communication with families.

Lebanon

11/30 The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 3,050 deaths and 13,658 injuries from ongoing Israeli aggression since October 8, 2023.

Syria

11/10 Israeli airstrikes on Sayyida Zainab killed six people and injured 15, including women and children.

11/26-28 Intense shelling and forced displacement affected the Shia-populated towns of Nubl and Zahraa. Mosques and religious sites were desecrated in Aleppo.

11/30 Extremists threatened to attack Najaf and Karbala in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia

11/14 A young man, Montadhar Abdul Rahim, was arrested after a raid on a Husseiniyah in Tarout.

Iraq

11/5 ISIS attacked Muqdadiyah in Diyala, resulting in one death and one injury.

Tragedy in Peshawar: Shia Rights Watch Calls for Action Against Anti-Shia Violence

The devastating attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, where armed terrorists opened fire on vehicles carrying Shia Muslims, claimed at least 38 lives and injured 55 others, including men, women, and children. This massacre is not an isolated event but part of an ongoing pattern of violence against the Shia Muslim community in Pakistan. Shia Rights Watch (SRW) calls for immediate action to address this humanitarian crisis and urges the international community to exert pressure on the Pakistani government to end anti-Shia hate crimes.

Understanding the Issue

For decades, Shia Muslims in Pakistan have faced systemic discrimination, targeted killings, and a lack of government accountability. Extremist groups operate with impunity, fostering an environment of fear and insecurity for the Shia community. This alarming pattern violates fundamental human rights and perpetuates sectarian tensions in the region.

Four Key Solutions

Strengthening Domestic Anti-Terrorism Efforts Pakistan must prioritize the identification and dismantling of extremist groups responsible for anti-Shia violence. This requires an overhaul of its counter-terrorism strategy, focusing on intelligence-sharing, rigorous investigations, and the prosecution of perpetrators. The government should also ensure the safety of vulnerable communities through increased security measures and localized peace-building initiatives.
Enforcing International Human Rights Standards Pakistan has ratified key human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The government must honor its obligations by safeguarding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their sect. This includes ensuring freedom of religion, equal protection under the law, and immediate justice for victims of hate crimes.
Promoting Education to Counter Hate Speech A long-term solution to sectarian violence lies in addressing the root causes of hatred. Pakistan must implement educational reforms to promote religious tolerance and respect for diversity. Media campaigns should counter extremist ideologies and spread messages of unity, coexistence, and mutual respect.
Global Diplomatic Intervention The international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and key global human rights organizations, must play a role in holding Pakistan accountable for its human rights violations. Diplomatic pressure can incentivize Pakistan to take meaningful steps to eradicate sectarian violence. Linking international aid to measurable improvements in human rights can also serve as a powerful tool for promoting change.

A Call to Action

The massacre in Peshawar is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked sectarianism. Shia Rights Watch urges the international community to lead a unified effort in demanding justice for the victims and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in Pakistan. By leveraging diplomatic and humanitarian channels, global leaders can advocate for human rights, foster accountability, and stand in solidarity with persecuted minorities worldwide.

The time to act is now. Every delay risks more innocent lives and further undermines the principles of justice and equality. Shia Muslims in Pakistan deserve the protection and dignity afforded to all citizens under international human rights law.

Welcome to Shia Rights Watch

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Bahrain

Lebanon

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

Pakistan

Bahrain

Lebanon

Syria

Saudi Arabia

Shia Rights Violations in December 2024

Summary of Violations by Country

Pakistan

Bahrain

Lebanon

Syria

Patterns of Violence

International Implications

Recommendations

Country-Specific Incidents

Understanding the Issue

Four Key Solutions

A Call to Action