Once again Shia Muslim leader and influential figure is threatened in Egypt. Ismael Shahateh, brother of Hasan Shahateh was threatened by hundreds of people who raided his home last week in Harbit village. He was asked to live his home and neighborhood.
Ismael is the brother of Hasan Shahate who was killed at a mom attack to his home late June, 2013. As many as 3000 people attacked his home and killed him and two other Shia Muslims and dragged his dead body in streets. Egyptian forces witnessed the mob but did not take any action. Although many Egyptians condemned the attack, last week they raided the home of Ismael Shahateh and aimed to force him out of his home. Shia Muslims protected Ismael and the attackers left the area.
Egyptian Shia Muslims report the attacks are motivated by hate lectures of Salafi clerics of the village.
SRW strongly condemns the attacks to Shia Muslim figures and demand stop to them. Egyptian public, clerics and government are responsible for any harm that Shia might face. Shia Muslims have long history in Egypt and they must be respected just like other minorities in the country.
