Europe is becoming a new concern for Shia Rights Watch as Shia rights violation is increasing in different countries of that region. On the November 14th, 2013 a Shia Islamic Center was burned down by unidentified people in Lausanne. The Center was scheduled to hold Muahrram campaign the next day. There were many damages to the building and its properties, as activists reported. SRW has contacted the embassy of Switzerland in Washington DC and asked them to investigate the violation.
Shia Muslims have lived in different countries of Europe in peace for centuries, and newly reported violations does concerns SRW. Last year a mosque was burned down in Belgian and resulted in death of a Shia cleric. Other attacks and violations have been reported from London.
SRW is very concerned about the increasing Shia rights violation in Europe and hopes authorities prevent any future violation.
Please note the incident was not reported to local officials. SRW is exchanging information with the embassy to follow up with the issue.
