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High- Level Forum on Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred

High Level Forum Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred

On January 17, the Permanent Missions of the United States and Canada to the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations, and the European Union Delegation to the United Nations jointly hosted the High- Level Forum on Combating Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Hatred.

Mustafa Akhwand, Shia Rights Watch’s director, alongside more than hundred activists, civil society representative, and human rights organization’s representative attended the forum to participate in gathering all tools possible to combat Anti-Muslim discrimination, nationally and internationally.

The day-long event at the United Nations examines the rise of anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred globally from the perspective of governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector representatives. It will also focus on best practices to combat anti-Muslim discrimination and highlight strategies that promote positive narratives of pluralism. Forum participants will provide recommendations on effective responses by all sectors of society to address the continued challenge of all forms of discrimination and hatred on the basis of religion or belief in all parts of the world.

After the UN Secretary-General António Guterres offered a video message to open the Forum, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein, addressed the issue of violence against minorities such as Shia Muslims in different countries indicating the rise of hate and discrimination toward minorities and issue of violence against minorities from state and non-state actors. Saperstein urged the governments and Human rights organization to work hand in hand to address the issue finding ways to prevent violence through dialogue and peace building.

Three interactive panels considered necessary and complementary tools to combat anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred in anti-discrimination law enforcement, civil society coalition-building and positive narratives to promote pluralism and inclusion.

They assessed the scope of rising anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred worldwide, compare government and private sector responses, share best practices, and provide concrete recommendations for combating anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred.

 

Bahrain Executes Three Shia Muslims

Shia Rights Warch condemn the execution of three Shia Muslims, Sami Mushaima (42), Ali Al-Singace (21) and Abbas Al-Samea (27) due to a false accusation by Bahraini government. Bahrain authorities are known for accusing their Shia majority citizens and convicting them under torture in prison. Many Shia has been arrested, tortured and killed by Bahraini authorities. It is sadden to see that government has not done anything to stop the conflict and use the dialogue with it’s citizens for creating the better environment for all people in the country to live in peace.

 

Participate in the Shia Rights Watch survey

Community Survey

Shia Islam is a multicultural faith consisting up to half of the Muslim population of the world, including subgroups such as Zaidi, Alawite, and Ismaili. Shia Muslim have been victims of crimes against their faith by discrimination, abuse, torture and killing in the Middle East and Africa. Many Shia families have lost their loved one due to these hate crimes. The focus of this study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Shiism toward Shia Muslims and their families.

The aim of this research is to identify the trend of Anti-Shiism, how it expanded and what needs to be considered in the prevention of Anti-Shiism.

Following the information gained from the survey, the aim of this survey is to examine the views of victims of Anti-Shiism in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) as well as to identify the cause of violence toward the Shia Muslims. The following questions will also be accounted for:

  • What is the condition of Shia Muslims in the Middle East?
  • What is the future prospect of Shia Muslims in the Middle East and Northern Africa?

T participate in this survey fill up the form bellow:

English Click Here

العربية اضعظ هنا 

Saudi Arabia sentence fifteen Shia Muslisms to Death Penalty

Shia Rights Watch_Death Penalty

Once again Saudi Arabia authorities have used the political aim to prosecute Shia Muslims in the country.

Based on the report by Shia Rights Watch correspondence in Saudi Arabia, the court system that is not fulfilled with the international system of law sentenced fifteen Shia Muslims with the wrong accusation due to political aim. Saudi Arabia has been using the false accusation for many years to put pressure to Shia Muslims in the Eastern Province and threatening the identity and security of its citizens, showing that the sectarian rise in Saudi Arabia has closed the door to religious coexistence in the country.

Shia Rights Watch, demand the Saudi authorities to prevent the rise of conflict in the country by respecting Shia Citizens who have shown loyalty to the country and abide the law that is placed only to favor the ruling government and its Wahhabi ideology.

SRW also demand the international committee to take action toward preventing Saudi Arabia from stereotyping the Shia as thread to the country and create an environment which people of different faith can coexist and participate in building the multicultural society.

The names of Shia Muslims who are sentenced to death penalty is shown bellow;

  1. Salem Abdullah Al-Emry (Death Sentence)
  2. Mohammad Abdulghani Atiyah (Death Sentence)
  3. Abbas Haji Al-Hasan (Death Sentence)
  4. Mohammed Hussein Al-Ashoor (Death Sentence)
  5. Talib Muslim Al-Harbi (Death Sentence)
  6. Badr Hilal Altalib (Imprisonment 20 Years)
  7. Hussein Ali Al-Hamidi (Death Sentence)
  8. Hussein Qasim Al-Abood (Death Sentence)
  9. Taher Muslim Al-Herbi (Death Sentence)
  10. Ali Hussein Al-Ashoor (Death Sentence)
  11. Yasin Haleh Al-Heri (Imprisonment 8 year)
  12. Samir Hilel Al-Herbi (Imprisonment 12 Years)
  13. Yousif Abdullah Al-Herbi (Death Sentence)
  14. Ali Hussein Al-Mehanna (Death Sentence)
  15. Ali Abdullah Al-haji (Imprisonment 5 Years)
  16. Abdul-Jall Ali Eisan (Imprisonment 15 Years)
  17. Abdul-Ghafoor dos Hazara (Afghani Citizen) (Waiting for Trial)
  18. Ahmed Abdel Aziz Alfels (Imprisonment 5 Years)
  19. Alvi musa Al-Hussein (Imprisonment 10 Years)
  20. Ahmed Ghama Al-Ghamedi (Imprisonment 5 Years)
  21. Ali Zeif Alawaji (Imprisonment 18 Years)
  22. Ahmed Ali Naser (Death Sentence)
  23. Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Khamis (Death Sentence)
  24. Mohammad Zaman Zamani (Irainian (Imprisonment 4 Years))
  25. Naser Abdullah Al-Leweyem (Imprisonment 2 Years)
  26. Hussein saeed Al-Ibrahim (Death Sentence)
  27. Khedhir ali Al-Mouhen (Imprisonment 8 Years)
  28. Abbass Abdullah Al-Abad (Death Sentence)
  29. Ibrahim Ali Hamidi (Imprisonment 25 Years)
  30. Sahel Abdulaziz Al-Moled (Waiting for Trial)
  31. Ali Ahmed Al Kabish (Imprisonment 2 Years)
  32. Mohammad Hussein Al-Alasi (Imprisonment 6 Month)

Malaysian Police raid Shia Houses

shia-rights-watch_malaysia_shia

In past couple of days, Malaysian authorities have attacked Shia Muslim homes and ritual practices, arresting many Shia and referring most of them to Sharia Law court with false accusations.  Over half of the Malaysian population are reported to be of Sunni Muslim origin. In recent years, a strict ban on Shia Islam has been put in place and enforced by state and non-state actors. Anti-Shiism continues to grow via education sponsored by non-Shia agonists.

20th October 2016.

35 people were arrested in Johor Bharu, southern state of Johor during kumayl prayer on 20th October 2016. Five people spent their night in police lock-up. Those arrested are expected to be charged at Sharia Court 21st October 2016. Update coming.

17th October 2016.

70-100 people from local NGOs such as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Silaturahim Malaysia (Si’rah Malaysia), the Mosque Organization of Masjid Al Husna Bandar Sunway (led by Mohd Hazizul Mohd Ghouts) and the Mosque Organization of Surau Munawarah (led by Mohd Fairuz Ahmad Jahari) demonstrated and intimidate small community centre for foreign students in Sunway, state of Selangor. They demand the closure of the community center and bring along banner reads: “Eradicate Shias from Malaysia” during the demonstration. They even report the center to State Religious Authorities and Police.

14th October 2016

A standardize Friday sermon throughout state of  Selangor spread hate speech against Shia adherents calling them deviants and reminding listeners to obey the 17th October 2013 religious fatwa banning Shia in Selangor.

13th October 2016.

Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission through his chairperson, Razali Ismail criticized intimidation and arrest against Shias in Malaysia. He emphasized on freedom of religion: “This right shall include the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice and freedom, either individually or in community with others in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.”

12th October 2016.

30 Pakistani Shias living in Malaysia were arrested at a rented premise (a factory) in Sungai Kertas, Selayang, outskirt of Kuala Lumpur on 11 October 2016 (9 Muharram) around 11pm. At 12.30 am they were brought to Islamic Department Gombak branch office at Kuang, Selangor state. They were interrogated whole night, and 22 of them were brought to Sharia Court at 3pm on 12th October (10 Muharram).  11 people came to bail them and they will be charge at Sharia court on 17th November 2016 at 9 am. However please note, they maintained they are Sunnis.

10th October 2016.

At 10.55 am two men aged 54 and 32 years old (father and son) were arrested at their home in Jalan Jasmin, Felda Kemendor, state of Melaka for preparing to organize Ashura gathering. They were interrogated under Section 63 Enactment Sharia Criminal State of Melaka 1991.  If found guilty they will be fined up to RM5000, or three years jail or both. Melaka banned Shi’ism on 24th September 2015.

Shia Rights Watch Appreciates countries who have taken steps to protect Shia Muslim during Muharram 2016

Shia Rights Watch

Shia Rights Watch would like to thank countries who have taken steps to protect Shia Muslims during the commemoration of Imam Hussein (A.S) in the month of Muharram 2016. According to Shia Rights Watch sources in Kuwait and Pakistan, these two governments have directed the authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Shia Religious places and rituals.

Shia Rights Watch urges nations with a history of anti-Shiism, such as Bahrain, to adopt protective measures for their Shia populations in this time of religious mourning. Moharram rituals are void of any political, and Shia Rights Watch urges members of states to use this chance as a means of increasing peace talks and encouraging dialogue among their citizens in areas of human rights.  

Unfortunately, like years before Bahraini government with majority Shia citizens not taken any steps to respect Shia Muslim and have taken steps to remove all banners from streets. We urge Bahrain government to respect Shia Muslim citizens as they are practicing ritual programs without any disturbance toward government. As Shia Rights Watch stated in a letter to different embassies with Shia population, Muharram program does not have any political interaction.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism in September, 2016

Shia Rights Watch_Trend of Violations against Shia Muslims in 2016

Iraq

 

Death count in Iraqi Shia has totaled 372 in the month of September. Baghdad topped the charts with the majority number of Shia killed, with Madain following second. Targeting of Shia Muslims in Madain has been on a particular rise in the year 2016. The majority of deaths has been due to IED’s, suicide bombings and gunfire.

As the number of injured exceeds the casualty count, one can understand that the aim of Shia targeting is not only elimination of this population but also induction of fear. The majority of attacks, 99%, were targeted at not religious centers, but at everyday destinations, such as cafe’s or marketplaces and shopping centers.

Incidents of particular concern have been a chain of explosions in densely populated areas of Baghdad, particularly the neighborhoods of Hurriya, Husainiya, Diyala bridge, and Abu-Dashir . Attacks were claimed by ISIS. ISIS targeting of Shia-populated areas have been ongoing since their reign and little attention has been given to them. Anti-Shiism sentiment adopted by ISIS has held a long history in Wahhabi extremism.

 

Saudi Arabia

This year, September began in unison with the Muslim Hajj season. In light of last years targeted abuse of Shia Muslims in the Hajj processions and in efforts to reduce anti-Shiism, Shia Rights Watch issued a travel advisory warning Shia Muslims of possible tensions and encouraging reports of human rights violation. Total transparency on the part of Saudi Arabian forces and Shia pilgrims was also encouraged.

However, Shia rights abuse continued to persist as a total of 17 Shia Muslims were detained unjustly. In addition, many Shia report having to undergo extra process in entering the Kingdom. Thirteen of the 17 arrested were Bahraini citizens, which raises concern as hajj processions are a religious rituals with the aim of creating unity among the global Muslim community and spreading peace. With their arrests, Saudi forces have disrupted the peace and have used hajj as a means of political control in the region.

Ala Taha, an Iraqi scholar was also arrested in this years Hajj procession. In mid-September, Taha was sentenced to three-month incarceration and a total of 300 flagellations. With the efforts of Shia Rights Watch legal and advocacy team, and the Iraqi Embassy, Taha was released before the end of hajj processions.

Three other Shia scholars Sayed Zainedin, Sayed Jafar Mosavi and Abo-Hamed Yousofi were also detained upon their entrance to the Medina airport.

Anti-Shiism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is systemic as scholars and religious leaders in the nation have encouraged hatred. One example of this is the twitter post of Mufti A’eth al-Gharni, in which he denounced 80 million Shia earlier this month.

 

Pakistan

On the eighth of September, punjabi police forces raised a women’s seminary in Hussainabad, sahiwal, without warrant. Anti-Shiism sentiment has been on the rise in southeast Asia, specifically Pakistan. In the past, anti-Shia actions were carried out by extremist groups such as LeJ or SeS in forms of targeted bombings or shooting of Shia in prominent social classes. The recent rise in unwarranted raids of Shia Islamic seminaries is a sign of escalating anti-Shiism tension in Pakistan. Shia Rights Watch has and continues to warn the rise of such sectarian hatred as little justice has been displayed. Justice must be served and recognition of wrong doing must be announced by responsible parties in order to reduce sectarian conflicts in not only Pakistan, but also the region.

 

Bahrain

Conditions in Bahrain continue to be striving for Shia citizens. Abbas Abdul-Nabi, an activist has been placed in solitary confinement. Abdul-nabi has been critically ill as result of police brutality on peaceful protest. Abdul-Nabi has been denied medical attention.

If not detained, numerous activist have been denied leaving the nation, one such being Sharaf al-Mousawi. Ahmed Reda, a journalist, has also been restricted from traveling outside of Bahrain- no reasons have been announced for said restrictions.

Upon the return of Hajj, many Bahraini travelers have had their passports withheld.

 

Mauritania

 

A prominent Mufti in Mauritania has called for action against the growth of the Shia religion in this country. This outright denouncement of Shia community is a display of an expansion of anti-Shiism in this country, and more importantly in the region. Shia Rights Watch strongly condemns any isolation of minority communities in Mauritania and urges peaceful action against hatred.

Letter to Embassies for Muharram 2016: “Make Brotherhood and Non-Violence your New Year’s Resolutions”

shia-rights-watch_moharam2016

As Muharram is approaching, Shia Rights Watch writes to embassies to ask for protection of Shia Muslims during their Ashura gatherings. Muharram is the first month of Islamic year when many celebrate New Year and many others postpone their celebrations in order to commemorate the death of a peacekeeper, Husain.

The letter is as follows:

 

Dear Honorable Ambassador,

On the occasion of the Hijra New Year, it’s our honor to extend to you our greetings and sincere wishes. We at Shia Rights Watch hope for this year to be prosperous for you and the people of your country.

As you are celebrating the New Year, Shia Muslims in your community are commemorating the death of a man who stood for justice and the rights of others, Husain. Husain ibn Ali is the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. During this important time, it is important to model the spirit of acceptance and respect by taking actions to prevent any violations and hatred towards this minority. During past years, Shia minority faced forms of violation and pressure during the month of Muharram, and it would add to the sincerity of the government to protect Shia Muslims this year, so they perform their rituals under the safety provided by their government.

We encourage you to make respect, brotherhood and non-violence part of your New Year’s resolutions.

At SRW we believe that respect and protection of religious freedom are the keys to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. We call upon all governments to respect the rights of their citizens and protect their lives and property. Please keep in mind that Muharram rituals are not the political movement, but rather religious and spiritual gathering that advocate for peace and brotherhood.

Sincerely,

Mustafa Akhwand

Director of SRW

Peace Day Youth Summit at the United Nations Headquarters

Shia rights watch_peaceday

Representative of Shia Rights Watch attended an event sponsored by UNDPI, titled Peace Day. The Peace Day Youth Summit focuses on Youth engagement for peace. Today %50 of the world population is under 30 and 1.8 billion are ages of 11-24. We currently have the largest Youth population in history. Youth Summit event places a global spotlight on sustainable peace and the SDGs and the role of youth in achieving tangible results in eradicating poverty globally and also taking steps forward towards restoring Peace.

Update: Shia Scholar sentenced to 3-month incarceration and 300 flagellation, during HAJJ 2016

Shia Rights Watch_Hajj2016

Update:

Thanks for all the effort and follow up with our team and Iraqi Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Shia Scholar “Ala Taha” got released today.

 

BREAKING: Saudi Arabia authorities arrested Iraqi Shia #Scholar “Sheikh Taha” in Mina during Hajj pilgrimage sentencing him to 3-month incarceration and 300 flagellations for an unknown reason. Shia Rights Watch during the beginning of the Hajj season has warned the Shia Muslims toward Anti-Shia threats that they might face during the Hajj. Saudi Arabia authorities are known for their act of violence toward Shia and in many cases preventing Shia Muslims from practicing their faith in public. Many cases of beating and arresting were reported to Shia Rights Watch, and we are working with Iraqi Authorities to release Hajj pilgrims from detention.

 

Read:

Hajj 2016 Travel Advisory

 

UN Complaint