Flashback Friday March 19, 2021

Manama, Bahrain,

The family of Shaikh Zuhair Ashour reported attempted murder at the hands of a prisoner detained on charges of rape and drug-related charges. In a statement, the family expressed concerns for Shaikh Ashour.

“On Sunday (March 14, 2021), at 2 PM, while Sheikh Zuheir was going to the prison’s yard (the fence), he decided to head to the television hall at first. The criminal prisoner was at the same place, and as soon as Sheikh Zuheir was about to leave the hall after spending some minutes watching television, the prisoner attacked him from behind and tried to strangle him and break his neck. Sheikh Zuheir defended himself and could escape. While Sheikh Zuheir was attempting to defend himself, the prisoner’s officers came and took the criminal prisoner to another place.”

Shia Muslims in Bahraini detention centers face inhumane hardships. Authorities fail to ensure safety for the detainees and frequently ignore reports of violence.

Flashback Friday March 12, 2021

Baghdad, Iraq,

Bombings in the Kadhimiya area of Baghdad killed and injured numerous pilgrims traveling to the local Shrine on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim. Millions of Shia Muslims traveled on foot from nearby provinces.

An assailant threw a grenade into the crowd at the Aimmah Bridge.

The attack came shortly after authorities announced the arrest of two individuals attempting suicide bombings.

Manama, Bahrain,

Sheikh Qassim, the prominent Shia cleric, called for the immediate release of political prisoners. He furthered that the release of prisoners is the first step in successful reconciliation between critics and the government.

“The release of political prisoners and all prisoners of the political movement is necessary for justice and will be a serious introduction to reform if it happens”

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,

Local activists report prisoners taking up hunger strikes in protest of inhumane conditions faced by Shia Muslims in the country.

Detainees have long reported sexual violence, torture, and solitary confinement.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, February 2021

In the month of February, 84 incidents of violence against Shia Muslims were reported in the nations of Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

It is important to note that cases of violence noted in this report are, in fact, only a sample of the incidents of anti-Shiism faces by the world’s Shia minority. Shia Rights Watch recognizes that incidents of violence are in large part not reported as many religious minorities live in fear of further persecution on the basis of their religious identity.

Afghanistan

On the 20th of the month, a roadside bomb injured three people and caused significant property damage in Kabul.

Later in the month, extremists assassinated five family members of a journalist who had previously been killed months ago.

Shia Muslims in Afghanistan live as a targeted minority. Extremist organizations such that of the Taliban and individuals in association with ISIS consider Shia Muslims to be “vermin” and “infidels” deserving death.

Those identified as Shia Muslims are at higher risks of facing violence. Despite the notable targeting of Shia Muslims in the country, authorities have done little to protect the group against human rights violations.

Bahrain

Shia Rights Watch recorded 45 incidents of anti-Shiism in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Among those sentenced in the month of February are Sheikh Hussein Al-Qafoud, Ali Muhammad Abdul Hadi Al-Ajimi, Syed Rida Syed Baqer, Sayed Falah Sayed Hassan, Hussain Sahwan, Mahdi Sahwan, and Ahmed al-Halwaji.

New arrests also took place this month. The arrested include, but are not limited to, Alaa Hamid Al-Sami, Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Syed Hussein Amin, Muhammad Hamid, Syed Muhammad Jasim, Abd Allah Karimi, Ali Mahdi, Ahmed Mahdi, Muhammad Mahdi, Hassan Al-Sufi, Ali Hantoush, Hassan Al-Barshim, Hassan Al-Mushaima, Hassan Ali Ibrahim, Muhammad Hani al-Watari, Abdullah al-Tabal, Rida Abbas Abdullah, Sadiq al-Alawi, Mohammad al-Sayed Mahmood, Mesreddin Issa al-Fardan, Sadiq Jafar AbdAli and Muhammad Jaafar.

The father of Ali Mushaima was arrested in mid-February. Ali Mushaima died after sustaining injuries from birdshot pellets shot at close range by security forces. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry established by King Hamad to investigate the February 14 uprisings concluded that Mushaima’s death resulted from unjustified “use of excessive force by police officers.”

Shia Rights Watch expresses concern for detainees as sources announced cases of COVID-19 among those held in Jaws Prison and the Dry Docks Detainment Center. The authorities have yet to instituted life-saving interventions to limit the propagation of the disease.

Iraq

Local activists report 12 Shia deaths and 7 injuries as a result of individual assasinations and small bombs. Attacks occurred in Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Diyala. The attacks were spread across the month.

Lebanon

On February 4, prominent critic Lokman Slim was found deceased. Slim, publisher and filmmaker, was shot multiple times in what those close to him call a political assassination.

Nigeria

After being diagnosed with Covid-19, Malama Zeenah Ibrahim, the wife of Shaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, was temporarily released in order to receive treatment.

In a recent interview, the Chairman of the Resource Forum of the IMN, Professor Abdullahi Danladi, discussed the detainment of Sheikh Zakzaky. Details on the interview can be found on ShiaRightsWatch.org.

Saudi Arabia

The death sentence of Ali al-Nimr, Abdullah Zaher, and Dawoud al-Marhoun, all minors at the time of their arrest, were commuted to 10 years in detainment.

Later in the month, the parents of Ali al-Nimr were arrested following a house raid.

Ali al-Nimr is the nephew of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, an active critic of the Saudi Arabian government, who was executed in January 2016.

Also commuted was the sentencing of Isra al-Ghamgham. Originally sentenced to be executed, al-Ghamgham’s sentence has been commuted to eight years.

Her husband, Musa Hashem, was among those newly sentenced in February. Ali, Aoicher, Khalid Ghanim, and Mojtaba al-Muzayen.

Syria

A detonation of an explosive-laden car in Afrin city, Aleppo, killed six and injured two dozen others. Locals report damages to nearby infrastructure as well.

Shia Muslims made up a minority in the nation. Predominantly concentrated in villages and towns, Shia Muslims became prominent targets of violence in the hands of ISIS.

Despite the weakening of the extremist organization, violence targeting the Shia Muslims minority continues to be fueled by extremism.

Anti Shia Remark John Kirby

March 5, 2021

As the Pope is set to visit Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday, the Department of Defense’s Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and spokesman, John Kirby makes an Anti-Shia and xenophobic statement that has outraged religious and minority rights activists.

In the Pentagon briefing on March 3, 2021. John Kirby associated active militia groups with the faith of Shia Islam, a rhetoric that is false in association and harmful to the millions of Shia Muslims who actively condemn violence.

John Kirby’s remarks vilify the Shia faith and marginalize the millions of Shia Muslims who live in the United State of America and damage relations with the international Shia community.

His remarks are a stark contradiction to President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support Underserved Communities through the Federal Government and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin’s commitment to enhance diversity and combat hate in the federal government, by creating a “working environment free of discrimination, hate, and harassment.”

Shia Americans serve in many governmental agencies such as the U.S military, and many Shia Iraqis and Afghans died alongside Americans in fighting ISIS and AlQaeda.

Mr. Kirby is creating an environment of hate against Shia Muslims in America and around the world by using the word “Shia” as pejorative and this label is unacceptable.

We consider Mr. Kirby’s labeling of violent groups in Iraq as “Shia-backed” to be harmful to the international Shia community and a serious cause for concern as it incites anti-Shia rhetoric within American foreign policy.

Shia Muslims have long condemned singular political associations and links to any particular nationality.

In addition to an unambiguous apology, Mr. Kirby should meet with Shia American intellectuals in Washington to gain an accurate understanding of the Shia Muslim community, a global population stretching from Australia to the American heartland in Ann Arbor Michigan, home to the largest mosque in America.

We urge the current political administration to take immediate steps to promote inclusivity for all religious identities and to refrain from using anti-Shia rhetoric in their statements.

Flashback Friday March 5, 2021

Find news about Shia Muslims in the past week on a single page

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

United Nations experts call for the release of Shia Muslims in detainment. Ali al-Nimr, Dawood al-Marhoon, and Abdullah al-Zaher were arrested as minors for participation in protests calling for political reform.

Originally sentenced to execution, the charges were commuted in February to 10 years. Human rights activists voice concerns over torture and inhumane conditions faced by Shia detainees.

Ali al-Nimr is the nephew of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was executed in 2016.

Manama, Bahrain

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney voiced concern over human rights violations against political dissidents in Bahrain. He noted the denial of medical treatment to Shia detainees and called for the immediate release of Hassan Mushaima, the secretary-general of the Haq Movement. Ali Mushaima, son of Hassan Mushaima, reports his father’s deteriorating health and Bahrain’s lack of compliance to the UN’s Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules.

Baghdad, Iraq

Locals report numerous incidents of shootings across Baghdad. Unidentifiable assailants use firearms with silencers to assassinate Shia individuals. Arrests have yet to be made.

Flashback Friday, February 26, 2021

Shia happenings in the week of February 26, 2021

Detained Shia Muslims Face Harsh Conditions and Threats to Basic Rights

Bahraini authorities continue to undermine the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Sexual abuse, overcrowding, violence, and insanitary conditions in Bahrain threaten the life of detainees. Shia Muslims in detainment face disproportionate violence in the hands of authorities who dehumanize Shia Muslims because of their religious faith.

Family members of those detained report inadequate medical care for detainees. Activists report the arbitrary denial of urgent medical care, refuse to refute complex conditions to specialists, and withhold medical as a form of punishment.

Now with the spread of the Coronavirus, Shia Muslims in detainment face yet another dimension of insecurity.

Shia Rights Watch expresses concerns for detainees held in Jaws Prison and Dry Dock Detention Center amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic. Activists report several detainees in Jaws Prison have tested positive for Covid-19, and authorities have failed to announce measures to protect individuals within the facility.

Flashback Friday February 19, 2021

Find news about Shia Muslims in the past week in a single page.

Manama, Bahrain

February 14th, 2021 marked the 10th anniversary of Bahrain’s uprising. The people of Bahrain first took to the streets in 2011 to protest the nation’s dissatisfactory conditions. A decade has passed since demonstrators took to the streets to demand reform, but human rights seem farther than ever.

On this day, locals reported the presence of security forces in the streets of Manama in efforts to deter the gathering of protestors.

Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, a Shia political party, liquidated by Bahraini courts in 2016, published a statement renewing their demand for “brotherhood, peace, stability, national sovereignty, citizens’ well-being, and the homeland’s relief, progress, security, strength, work, and joint construction.”

While making up the majority population, Shia Muslim in Bahrain face disproportionate levels of prosecution and targeting based on their religious belief.

10 Years of Calling for Reform in Bahrain

February 14th, 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of Bahrain’s uprising. The people of Bahrain first took to the streets in 2011 in protest of the nation’s dissatisfactory conditions. A decade has passed since demonstrators took to the streets to demand reform but human rights seem farther than ever.

February 14th is also the anniversary of the National Action Charter of Bahrain in 2001 and the 2002 Constitution in which King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa’s instituted a set of democratic reforms both documents in response to social calls for reform.

Inspired by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Bahraini youth participated in 55 marches in 25 locations across the country, in nonviolent protest to discriminate rulings in the hands of the monarchy. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, tens of individuals were injured and a number were killed as a result of the violent response by national forces.

Since 2011, Shia Muslims of Bahrain face increased restrictions in congregation and freedom of speech. Political groups who voiced support for democracy have been disbanded and activists face long sentences and denial of due process. Officials instituted zero-tolerance policies for critique or any association with opposition groups. So much so that social media posts, likes, and retweets were used as the basis for the arrest and even removal from public sector occupations.

Bahraini Shia Muslims continue to live under extreme human rights detriment as violations toward them increase and expand without any international interventions. In 2020 alone, Shia Rights Watch reports 230 new arrests (this number does not include the tens of individuals who were arrested in 2019 and have yet to be sentenced).

Moreover, Shia Rights Watch records cases of torture within detention centers as a means of deriving false confessions. Violations include but are not limited to sexual abuse.

None-the-less, human rights and democratic reform in Bahrain have not received any support from the international community. Nations like the United States and the United Kingdom who expressed immense support for democratic efforts in Egypt and Tunisia failed to recognize the people’s movement in Bahrain. Between 2012 and 2019, the United Kingdom provided 6.5 million pounds in technical assistance. In 2019, the United States States Department undertook weapons sales worth 3.4 billion dollars.

Shia Rights Watch expresses concern for Shia Muslims in Bahrain, especially on the anniversary of February 14. Shia Rights Watch emphasizes that authorities in Bahrain must refrain from using excessive force against protesters as mass protests can be expected during February. They have to regain their citizens’ trust by equal treatment and by releasing detainees unconditionally.

Moreover, we call for independent oversight into the conditions of human rights in Bahrain by the international community and appropriate changes in economic exchange as a form of accountability.

Flashback Friday February 12, 2021

Shia-related news in the week of February 12, 2021

Manama, Bahrain

Authorities commute the sentence of Ali Nimr (age at arrest:17), Dawoud Al-Marhoun (age at arrest:17), and Abdullah Al-Zaher (age at arrest:15) to 10 years. The three were originally sentenced to death for participation in pro-democratic protests. Sources report the court’s decision to free the three by 2022.

Sources report that prisoners in Jaw Central Prison have tested positive for COVID-19. No efforts of containing the spread of the disease have been announced by authorities.

Moreover, sources report a reduction in personnel presence and delayed meals.

Shia Rights Watch expresses concern for the safety of Shia Muslim detainees and the loss of already insufficient resources.

As the inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccine begins in Bahrain, Shia Rights Watch calls for equal dispersion of resources to all Bahraini residence, regardless of religious identity.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism, January 2021

Shia Rights Watch has recorded 245 cases of anti-Shiism in the month of January. Incidents of direct violence occurred in the countries of Bahrain, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

Shia Rights Watch notes that the true effects of anti-Shia violence, including but not limited to generational trauma, cannot be quantified. We continue to monitor and report conditions faced by Shia Muslims all over the world in efforts to raise awareness and reduce human rights violations.