Tragedy in Quetta: A Community Mourns and Demands Justice

The recent tragedy at a railway station in southwestern Pakistan has deeply impacted the community, especially among Shia Muslims. On November 9, 2024, a suicide bombing devastated Quetta Railway Station in Balochistan, killing at least 26 people and injuring 62 more, including both civilians and security personnel. This attack follows another recent bombing in Mastung, where a blast near a girls’ school and hospital took nine lives. Both incidents underscore the ongoing threats faced by minority communities and raise questions about security in Balochistan, a region prone to violence.

The November 9 blast, claimed by the banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army, primarily targeted law enforcement but also took a toll on the civilian population. Shia Muslims, who frequently use this railway station to travel to religious sites, are among those grieving and fearful after yet another incident of sectarian violence. Survivors and witnesses describe scenes of chaos and despair, with emergency responders struggling to provide aid amid limited resources.

Shia Rights Watch has condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act that further endangers Shia Muslims and other minority groups in Pakistan. In a public statement, the organization emphasized the need for increased security measures to protect these communities, especially in high-risk areas like Balochistan. Shia Rights Watch has urged the government to take immediate, decisive action to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the victims.

The government has also condemned the attacks, promising to conduct thorough investigations. Yet, the Shia community, along with activists, feels that words alone are insufficient. Many call for stronger, sustained efforts to protect vulnerable communities from militant violence. Balochistan’s Chief Minister has urged national unity against terrorism, appealing to various sectors of society, including the media and judiciary, to collaborate in addressing this escalating threat.

This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerability faced by Pakistan’s Shia population and the urgent need for a robust response. As violence and insecurity continue to impact Balochistan, the calls for greater security, resilience, and unity remain paramount.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, September 2024

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) releases its monthly report on human rights violations against Shia Muslims for the period from September 1 to October 1, 2024. The report presents several terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups targeting Shia Muslims, as well as acts of repression and violence by certain governments. The organization relied on its own sources and public information from human rights activists across the affected countries. Despite withholding some incidents due to lack of verified evidence, SRW stresses its non-political, non-profit goal of achieving justice and equality for all.

Afghanistan

2/9 Dead and wounded in western Kabul: A suicide bombing using an explosive belt in a crowded market in the Qala-e-Bakhtiar area, southwest of Kabul, resulted in the death of six people, including a woman, and the injury of 13 others.
13/9 Dead and wounded in an attack on pilgrims returning from Karbala: The terrorist group ISIS executed 15 people and wounded six others after stopping a bus in the Karioodale area between the provinces of Daikundi and Ghor. According to survivors, the group stripped the victims of their belongings before cold-bloodedly shooting them.

Pakistan

14/9 Dead and wounded in an explosion in Quetta: A roadside bomb planted by terrorists in the Kuchlak area of Quetta killed two people and wounded four others.
25/9 Six wounded in an explosion in Quetta: A roadside bomb placed by terrorists in Quetta wounded six people with varying degrees of injuries.
26/9 Terrorist groups attack the town of Parachinar: Armed terrorist groups attacked the residents of Parachinar, blowing up several houses without intervention from security forces to protect the civilians.

Bahrain

2/9 Arrest of a minor from Al-Ma’amir: Security forces arrested the minor Ibrahim Adel from the Al-Ma’amir area.
2/9 Arrest of a young man from Al-Sanabis: Authorities arrested Ali Al-Baqali from Al-Sanabis after his return from participating in religious ceremonies in Iraq.
2/9 Arrest of two young men from Karana: Authorities arrested Ali Matrouk and Abbas Muslim from Karana.
26/9 Arrest of a young man from Ras Al-Rumman: Authorities arrested Ali Abdul Jalil from Ras Al-Rumman.
28/9 Arrest of a minor from Sitra: Authorities arrested the minor Ali Saeed from Al-Kharijia.
29/9 Arrest of two young men from Al-Sanabis: Authorities arrested Mohammed Muneer Moshemi and Mytham Mahmood from Al-Sanabis.
30/9 Arrest of a minor from Al-Shaikhoura: Authorities arrested the minor Hussein Mohammed Al-Qasab from Abu Saibaa.

Lebanon

1/9 Dead and wounded in an airstrike on Beit Lif: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of two girls and the injury of two others from Beit Lif.
2/9 Two killed in an airstrike on Naqoura: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of two people in Naqoura.
3/9 Three wounded in Markaba: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the injury of three people in Markaba.
4/9 Three wounded in Houla: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the injury of three people in Houla.
4/9 One killed and two injured in Qabrikha: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of a woman and the injury of two others, including a child, in Qabrikha.
5/9 One killed and one injured in Kafra: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of one person and the injury of another in Kafra.
6/9 Two injured in a strike on Burj Al-Muluk: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the injury of two people in Burj Al-Muluk.
7/9 Dead and wounded in Faroun: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of three paramedics and the injury of two members of the Lebanese Civil Defense in Faroun.
8/9 Six wounded in Khirbet Selm: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the injury of six people in Khirbet Selm.
9/7 Four wounded in Hanin: An Israeli airstrike resulted in the injury of four people in Hanin.
19/9 Dozens killed and wounded in multiple areas: An Israeli airstrike on several villages in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of 31 people, including three children, and the injury of 68 others.
20/9 Dozens of children and women killed: The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that more than 650 people were killed, including 50 children and 95 women, in heavy Israeli airstrikes on multiple areas in Lebanon.
21/9 More than 1,250 killed in Israeli airstrikes: The Lebanese Ministry of Health revealed that the number of deaths from Israeli airstrikes on villages and cities in Lebanon exceeded 1,250, including women and children, while the number of injured exceeded 5,000.
30/9 Six paramedics killed in western Beqaa: An Israeli airstrike on an ambulance center in Saghmar, western Beqaa, killed six paramedics and wounded four others.
30/9 More than one million displaced: The Lebanese government revealed that Israeli bombing of Shiite villages and cities caused the displacement of more than one million people to safer areas.
30/9 Over 100 dead and wounded: An Israeli airstrike on the capital and several southern villages killed more than 100 people and injured over 300, alongside widespread destruction of residential buildings.

Nigeria

4/9 Dead in an armed attack in Yobe State: A terrorist group affiliated with Boko Haram launched an armed attack on a school in the Geidam area, killing three people and wounding others.

Iraq

6/9 A shepherd kidnapped in Kirkuk: A terrorist group kidnapped a shepherd in the village of Bardy in Kirkuk province.
13/9 Two killed and one injured in Kirkuk: An ISIS attack in Kirkuk resulted in the death of two people and the injury of one.

Shia Rights Violations (September 2024)

A Stark Snapshot of Human Rights Violations

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) has consistently monitored and reported on the atrocities committed against Shia Muslim communities, and the September 2024 report highlights the persistence and escalation of these violations. The incidents cataloged by SRW reflect both localized and systematic targeting of Shia populations in various countries.

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, terrorist groups like ISIS continue to carry out deadly attacks on Shia communities. The frequency of bombings and executions in these areas demonstrates the deep-rooted sectarian violence that extremist groups perpetrate. These acts are part of a broader effort to terrorize and eliminate religious minorities, particularly during religious observances, which are pivotal in Shia culture.

In Bahrain, the report illustrates the government’s ongoing repression of the Shia population. Arbitrary arrests, particularly of minors, during religious commemorations, suggest an entrenched pattern of discrimination. These arrests reflect the broader political repression faced by Shia communities in the region, where government authorities often equate religious expression with dissent.

The Lebanese situation presents a different but no less severe set of violations. Israeli airstrikes in September caused significant civilian casualties, with a disproportionate impact on Shia-majority areas. The toll of these attacks, including the deaths of children, women, and medical personnel, highlights the human cost of ongoing conflict in the region.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria and Iraq, terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS remain active in targeting Shia communities. The violence in these regions underscores the global spread of anti-Shia sentiment, with extremist organizations using sectarian hatred as a tool for advancing their political and ideological goals.

Shia Rights Watch plays a crucial role in documenting these atrocities and advocating for the protection of Shia communities worldwide. The organization’s work is vital in raising awareness and mobilizing international action against the ongoing persecution of Shia Muslims. By shedding light on these violations, SRW not only highlights the plight of Shia communities but also calls for global efforts to address this violence and discrimination.

Shia Rights Watch Condemns the Attack on Lebanon and the Killing of Shia Muslim Civilians

Shia Rights Watch strongly condemns the recent attack on Lebanon, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives, particularly among the Shia Muslim civilian population. As an organization committed to advocating for the safety and protection of Shia Muslims worldwide, we are deeply disturbed by the escalating violence and the disproportionate toll it has taken on civilians who are unjustly caught in the crossfire.

The attack, which has resulted in widespread destruction, has left countless families devastated. Many of the victims of this heinous aggression are Shia Muslims, who have long faced systemic oppression, persecution, and targeted violence in the region. The civilian casualties from these attacks are not only a heartbreaking human tragedy but a violation of basic human rights. These deaths stand as a stark reminder that innocent people, whose only desire is to live in peace and security, are paying the ultimate price for conflicts they neither caused nor escalated.

As an advocate for human rights, Shia Rights Watch categorically denounces any form of violence that leads to the loss of innocent lives. No geopolitical or ideological differences can ever justify the targeting or killing of civilians, especially when they are defenseless members of society, including women, children, and the elderly. This attack is a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which protects civilians in conflict zones, and it must be condemned by the global community.

The Shia Muslim community, already marginalized in various parts of the world, now bears the brunt of another wave of violence. The targeting of Shia civilians further exacerbates tensions and threatens to destabilize the region. Attacks on Shia Muslims are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader pattern of sectarian violence that has plagued the Middle East for decades. Such acts of violence are aimed at sowing discord among religious communities and must be addressed with urgency and conviction.

Shia Rights Watch calls upon the international community, governments, and humanitarian organizations to condemn this attack and take immediate action to prevent further loss of life. We urge all parties involved in this conflict to adhere to international law and ensure the safety and protection of civilians, particularly vulnerable Shia populations. We also call for an independent investigation into the attack, to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The protection of human life should always be the foremost priority in any conflict. We appeal to world leaders and human rights organizations to stand in solidarity with the victims and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. Shia Rights Watch reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of Shia Muslims and will continue to advocate for justice, peace, and accountability in the face of violence and oppression.

In conclusion, we once again express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless attack. We stand in solidarity with the Shia Muslim community in Lebanon and around the world, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for all innocent civilians affected by conflict.

Urgent: Crisis in Parachinar – Your Support Needed

🚨 #ParachinarCrisis:

Parachinar is currently under siege by terrorist groups like the Taliban and Sepah Sahaba. Over 500,000 Shia residents are living in constant fear of violence and persecution. The situation is dire, with recent attacks resulting in the tragic deaths of 40 Shia individuals and injuries to 160 others.

The government must take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in this region.

We urge you to stay informed and get involved. Here’s how you can help:

Spread Awareness: Share this message on social media using hashtags

#SaveParachinar
#ParachinarCrisis
#ShiaGenocide
#StopTheViolence
#AntiShiism

Contact Authorities: Write to your local representatives and urge them to press the Pakistani government for immediate action.
Donate: Support organizations working on the ground to provide aid and relief to the affected communities.
DONATE NOW

For more updates and ways to help, follow the latest news and support the affected communities. Together, we can make a difference and bring peace to Parachinar. 🌍✊

Thank you for your support.

Escalating Violations Against Shia Muslims During Ashura 1446 AH

Shia Rights Watch’s recent report on the violations against Shia Muslims during Ashura sheds light on the pervasive and escalating nature of anti-Shia sentiment and actions globally. The documented incidents in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Pakistan illustrate a common thread of targeted oppression and violence against Shia communities. This report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Shia Muslims and the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

The period of Ashura, marking the first ten days of Muharram has once again been marred by severe and widespread violations against Shia Muslims, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. These violations range from direct physical attacks to systemic legal and social restrictions, reflecting a disturbing pattern of sectarian violence and discrimination.

Karbala, Iraq:

In Karbala, Iraq, a Katyusha rocket was launched in a terrorist attempt to disrupt the Ashura commemorations, highlighting the persistent threat of violence faced by Shia pilgrims. Although this attack did not result in casualties or property damage, it underscores the volatile security situation and the targeted nature of such acts against Shia gatherings.

Kuwait:

In Kuwait, unprecedented measures were taken by the authorities to dismantle Ashura commemorations. The removal of these religious displays, traditionally organized by Kuwaiti Shia Muslims, led to public outcry and the arrest of several individuals, including a former parliamentarian. This incident signifies an alarming shift towards overt sectarian policies and repression of religious freedoms in Kuwait.

Afghanistan:

The Taliban’s restrictive orders in Afghanistan further exemplify the institutionalized suppression of Shia religious practices. By banning public Ashura displays and threatening severe consequences for non-compliance, the Taliban have exacerbated the marginalization and persecution of Shia Muslims in the country.

Bahrain:

In Bahrain, government actions to remove Ashura symbols and prevent religious figures from participating in rituals represent a direct attack on the Shia community’s religious expression. Despite being the majority population, Bahraini Shia Muslims continue to face systemic discrimination and state-sanctioned suppression of their religious practices.

Pakistan:

The situation in Pakistan remains dire, with continued reports of kidnappings and assassinations of Shia activists. These acts of violence, often perpetrated by extremist groups, highlight the persistent danger and insecurity faced by Shia Muslims in Pakistan.

Global human rights organizations, policymakers, and the international community must take concerted actions to protect Shia Muslims and uphold their rights to religious freedom and safety. The recurring nature of these violations during significant religious observances like Ashura underscores the deep-rooted prejudices and the systemic challenges that need to be addressed to ensure justice and equality for Shia communities worldwide.

Shia Rights Violations (June 1 – July 1, 2024)

The June 2024 report from Shia Rights Watch (SRW) presents a grim picture of the persistent and severe human rights violations targeting Shia Muslims in various countries. The documented incidents include confiscation of religious materials, closure of educational institutions, abductions, physical assaults, bombings, and systematic repression. This compilation reflects both the direct actions of extremist groups and the repressive measures imposed by state authorities.

Key Findings and Patterns

Taliban’s Repressive Measures in Afghanistan: The Taliban’s actions in Afghanistan—confiscating Shia religious books and closing Shia institutions—highlight a clear pattern of religious intolerance and systemic repression. These measures aim to suppress Shia cultural and religious identity, which is particularly concerning given the Taliban’s historical animosity towards minority groups.
Extremist Violence in Pakistan: Pakistan witnessed multiple instances of extremist violence, including abductions, assassinations, and attacks on Shia pilgrims. The involvement of groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi underscores the ongoing threat from sectarian militant organizations. The government’s failure to protect Shia citizens from such violence is a critical issue.
State Repression in Bahrain: The repeated arrests of Shia youths in Bahrain point to a systematic effort by the state to stifle dissent and intimidate the Shia community. These arrests, often under vague pretexts, are part of a broader strategy to maintain political control and suppress Shia activism.
Terrorist Attacks in Syria and Iraq: The attacks in Syria and Iraq, including bombings and IED explosions, reflect the volatile security situation in these regions and the persistent threat posed by terrorist organizations like ISIS. These incidents not only result in loss of life and injury but also create a climate of fear and instability.

Challenges in Documentation

SRW’s report underscores the difficulties in documenting all violations due to the lack of conclusive evidence and witness testimonies. Despite these challenges, the organization has provided a comprehensive overview of the documented incidents, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, June 2024

Shia Rights Watch (SRW) has released its report for June 2024, detailing significant human rights violations against Shia Muslim individuals and communities in various countries.

The report highlights numerous terrorist operations, including armed attacks and bombings, along with systemic repression and abuse in several countries.

SRW could only document some of the reported violations with the help of human rights activists and some civil organizations. Many field indicators suggest the occurrence of other violations that could not be confirmed with evidence and witnesses.

The monthly report covers Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

This report highlight the Shia rights violations from June 1 to July 1, 2024.

The report reviews numerous terrorist acts carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims and the repression and abuse perpetrated against them by certain governments.

SRW emphasizes that it relies on its own sources and some public sources, such as individuals and groups active in the field of freedoms and human rights in the countries where these violations occurred.

SRW refrained from mentioning some violations due to the lack of conclusive evidence, even though it is confident that these violations occurred in some countries. SRW stresses that its work does not aim for political or financial gains but seeks to achieve the justice and equality desired by human communities.

Afghanistan

06/06/2024: Taliban confiscates Shia religious books from schools in Bamiyan and Balkh: Taliban authorities confiscated Shia religious books from schools in Bamiyan province, predominantly inhabited by Shia, and similarly in the city of Balkh.

06/10/2024: Closure of a university, a school, and a television channel for Shias: The so-called Ministry of Justice in the Taliban government closed Khatam Al-Nabieen University and Tamaddon TV channel. Khatam Al-Nabieen School, established by the late Shia leader Ayatollah Mohseni, was also closed.

Pakistan

06/05/2024: Abduction of two Shia academics: Two Shia community members were kidnapped under mysterious circumstances, and their fate remains unknown. Observers believe extremist groups committed this crime. Human rights platforms revealed that human rights activist Engineer Mumtaz Rizvi, aged 61, and Shia student Rashid Ali from Gilgit-Baltistan were kidnapped while studying in Karachi.

06/11/2024: Border checkpoint extorts and robs Shia pilgrims: Human rights sources revealed that Shia pilgrims were extorted and robbed by employees of the Taftan checkpoint while traveling from Quetta to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and Imam Reza (peace be upon him) in Iran.

06/20/2024: Two killed and four injured in a bus attack in Peshawar: An armed group belonging to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terrorist organization attacked a bus heading to Peshawar, resulting in two deaths and four injuries.

06/21/2024: Assassination of a Shia preacher in Mandi: A terrorist group assassinated Shia preacher Sayed Bahauddin Sayed Asad Ejaz from Tehsil Valia, Mandi area.

06/22/2024: Extremist group attacks Friday prayers in Sheikhupura: An extremist group attacked Shia worshipers in the village of Bhikhi in Sheikhupura area with sticks, stones, and obscene language, besides desecrating the mosque, causing injuries to several worshipers and damaging mosque contents.

06/24/2024: Abduction of a veterinary doctor in Dera Ismail: An unknown group kidnapped veterinary doctor Sayed Ghazanfar Hussain Shah while he was heading to his workplace in Dera Ismail Khan. His fate remains unknown.

Bahrain

06/25/2024: Arrest of six youths from the town of Karzakan: Security authorities arrested Abdullah Abbas Abdul Rasul, Mohammed Abbas Abdul Rasul, Mohammed Shouqi Salman, Mohammed Jassim Al-Qattan, Mohammed Khalil Al-Karani, and Hussein Ahmed Al-Kash, from Karzakan, after summoning them to a security center.

06/27/2024: Arrest of a young man from the town of Karzakan: Security authorities arrested Ali Yasser Daif from Karzakan after summoning him to a security center.

06/28/2024: Arrest of three youths from the town of Karzakan: Security authorities arrested Jassim Mohammed Taher Al-Jabal, Mohammed Mirza Ali Abu Hassan, and Ali Naji Abbas Marhoon from Karzakan after summoning them to a security center.

Syria

06/15/2024: Three visitors injured in Deir Ezzor: Three Iraqi visitors heading to holy sites in Damascus were injured, and their vehicle was damaged after a terrorist group attacked their bus with gunfire on a main road in Deir Ezzor.

Iraq

06/09/2024: One person injured in an IED explosion in Al-Khalis: An IED planted by terrorists on the roadside in Al-Khalis city injured one person and damaged his vehicle.

06/11/2024: ISIS attacks security personnel in the holy city of Samarra: An armed group belonging to ISIS attacked security personnel in the holy city of Samarra, injuring several of them.

06/16/2024: Three women and a child injured in an IED explosion in Tuz Khurmatu: An IED planted by terrorists on the main market road in Tuz Khurmatu injured three women and a child, besides damaging market properties.

06/25/2024: One killed and one injured in a Daesh war remnant explosion in Mandali: An explosion of a Daesh war remnant in Mandali killed one person and injured another.

06/25/2024: Child killed and his sister injured in a war remnant explosion in Basra: An explosion of a war remnant in North Rumaila, west of Basra, killed a child and injured his sister.

Shia Rights Violations (May 1 – June 1, 2024)

The Shia Rights Watch (SRW) report for May 2024 sheds light on the alarming rise in human rights violations against Shia Muslims across several countries. This detailed document chronicles the atrocities and systemic discrimination faced by Shia communities, painting a grim picture of their plight.

In Afghanistan, the report highlights the Taliban’s draconian measures against Shia Muslims, including the prohibition of Shia literature and the confiscation of books. This is compounded by deadly ISIS attacks targeting Shia individuals, further entrenching the vulnerability of this community.

Pakistan’s Shia population continues to be besieged by terrorist activities. The report documents multiple incidents of violence, including bombings and targeted killings, that have left scores dead or injured. The enforced disappearances of Shia activists underscore the prevailing atmosphere of fear and repression.

In Bahrain, systemic discrimination against Shia citizens persists unabated. The SRW report references a U.S. State Department document detailing widespread abuses, from inhumane treatment of political prisoners to restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as expression and peaceful assembly. This institutionalized bias severely undermines Shia citizens’ rights, impeding their participation in societal and governmental functions.

Saudi Arabia’s treatment of its Shia population is equally concerning. The report highlights politically motivated executions and the subsequent withholding of burial information, which compounds the families’ grief. Such actions are emblematic of the broader systemic injustice faced by Shia Muslims in the kingdom.

Iraq, still grappling with the remnants of ISIS, sees frequent attacks on its Shia communities. The report details a series of bombings and armed assaults, resulting in numerous casualties. These incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges and the persistent threat posed by extremist groups.

The report also brings to light the sectarian violence in Serbia, where a Shia refugee was murdered by an extremist group. This incident illustrates the transnational nature of anti-Shia sentiment and the dangers faced by Shia individuals even in diaspora settings.

Shia Rights Watch plays a crucial role in documenting and disseminating information about these violations. Their comprehensive reports are vital in raising awareness and pressing for accountability. SRW’s efforts are instrumental in highlighting the systemic nature of anti-Shia discrimination and violence, providing a voice to the oppressed and advocating for their rights on a global stage.

In conclusion, the SRW report for May 2024 is a sobering reminder of the persistent and pervasive challenges faced by Shia Muslims. The documented incidents underscore the need for concerted international efforts to address these human rights abuses. Shia Rights Watch’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality remains a beacon of hope for Shia communities worldwide. Through continued vigilance and advocacy, SRW strives to foster a world where Shia Muslims can live free from fear and discrimination.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, May 2024

Shia Rights Watch issues its monthly report on the most significant human rights violations committed against Shia Muslims for the period from May 1 to June 1, 2024.

The report reviews many terrorist operations carried out by extremist groups against Shia Muslims, as well as the oppression and abuse practiced against them by some government and non-government actors.

SRW relies on its sources and some public sources, such as individuals and groups active in the field of freedom and human rights in the countries where these violations occurred.

The organization notes that it refrained from mentioning some violations due to the absence of confirmed evidence, despite being certain of the occurrence of these violations in some countries. The organization emphasizes that it does not aim for political or profitable goals but seeks to achieve justice and equality aspired by human societies.

Countries listed alphabetically:

Afghanistan

5/1/2024 – Casualties in a Mosque Attack in Herat: Six people were killed, and another injured in an armed attack on worshippers in a mosque in Guzara, west of Herat, resulting in the deaths of six civilians, including a three-year-old child, and one injury.

5/2/2024 – Three Killed in Bamyan: ISIS terrorists launched an armed attack on tourists accompanied by three Shia citizens in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, killing three Spanish tourists and three of their Shia companions.

5/20/2024 – Taliban Bans Shia Books: Taliban authorities issued a decision to ban the entry of Shia books of all titles into the country and began confiscating all such books from universities and public libraries. Last year, the Ministry of Higher Education of the Taliban instructed all universities and private educational institutions to “purge their libraries of books contrary to Hanafi jurisprudence” and to withdraw all books contrary to this jurisprudence, as well as banning the teaching of Ja’fari jurisprudence in public universities.

Pakistan

05/1/2024 – Wounded in a Terrorist Attack in Karachi: An armed group opened fire on a gathering of Shia civilians in North Nazimabad, Karachi, injuring four people seriously.

05/04/2024 – Casualties in a Balochistan Bombing: A roadside bomb planted by terrorists in Khuzdar, Balochistan, southwestern Pakistan, killed two people and injured seven others.

05/8/2024 – Casualties in an Armed Attack on Shia Professionals in Gwadar: An armed terrorist group attacked the home of a group of Shia barbers near the port of Gwadar in Balochistan, killing six people and injuring others.

05/21/2024 – Kidnapping of a Young Man in Karachi: An unidentified group kidnapped Shia activist Muhammad Mujtaba Rizvi, 24, near Rabia Razi Association in Karachi. Muhammad’s elder brother, Syed Muhammad Musa Rizvi, has been forcibly disappeared since February 2024.

05/25/2024 – Kidnapping of a Cleric in Karachi: An unidentified group kidnapped Shia cleric Sheikh Munir Hassan Jafri from a street in Islamabad and took him to an unknown location.

Bahrain

05/1/2024 – Continued Systematic Discrimination Against Shia: A human rights report issued by the U.S. State Department revealed that Bahraini authorities continue to practice systematic discrimination against Shia citizens.

The report pointed to significant issues, including inhumane or degrading treatment of political prisoners, arbitrary or illegal detention, lack of judicial independence, severe restrictions on freedom of expression and the media, including unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists and censorship, restrictions on internet freedom, continued repression of peaceful assembly and association, excessive restrictive laws regarding the organization or financing or operation of NGOs and civil society organizations, and restrictions on freedom of movement and residence and the right to leave the country.

The report also indicated that Bahraini authorities deprived detainees, or sick and prisoners of conscience of medical treatment, and noted that the conditions in prisons and detention centers are harsh, with some detainees facing life-threatening physical abuse, unfair use of solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure, inadequate sanitary conditions, and medical care. Additionally, the report noted that Shia citizens face systematic discrimination and obstacles to equal participation in society and government, particularly in some government jobs and the security sector.

05/12/2024 – Arrest of a Citizen for Demanding the Release of His Detained Son: Security authorities arrested Ali Al-Muhanna after he announced his protest in front of the Ministry of Interior, demanding the release of his son, detained on political charges.

Saudi Arabia

05/15/2024 – Execution of Young Man from Eastern Province: Saudi authorities executed young detainee Hassan Ahmed Al-Nasser from Eastern Province on political charges that activists claimed were fabricated and that his trial lacked fairness. Despite executing him, Saudi authorities withheld his body and did not inform his family of his burial location.

05/22/2024 – Execution of a Shia Activist from Qatif: Saudi authorities executed young man Mohammed Al-Johar from Al-Awamiya town on fabricated political charges and an unfair mock trial, according to observers.

Iraq

05/1/2024 – Two Killed in Al-Mu’tasim Subdistrict: ISIS terrorist groups launched an attack on the outskirts of Al-Mu’tasim subdistrict, resulting in two deaths.

05/13/2024 – Casualties in a Daesh Attack in Diyala: An armed attack by ISIS terrorists on the outskirts of Al-Azim in Diyala city killed six people and injured eight others.

05/17/2024 – Wounded in a Daesh Attack in Domiz: An attack by ISIS terrorists on Baiji village in Domiz district, Kirkuk, injured three people.

05/18/2024 – Wounded in a Bomb Explosion: A roadside bomb planted by terrorists in Haditha area injured four people.

05/20/2024 – Injury from a Landmine in Nukhaib: A landmine explosion from ISIS remnants in Nukhaib area injured a person.

Serbia

05/1/2024 – Kidnapping and Murder of a Young Man: A Sunni extremist group in Serbia kidnapped and murdered Mohammad Taqi Abbas, a refugee, due to a religious tattoo.

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Welcome to Shia Rights Watch

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Bahrain

Lebanon

Nigeria

Iraq

Karbala, Iraq:

Kuwait:

Afghanistan:

Bahrain:

Pakistan:

Key Findings and Patterns

Challenges in Documentation

Bahrain

Syria

Iraq

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

Serbia