SRW‘s Thanks to Spokesman for the World Federation of the Sufi in Paris

Shia Rights Watch would like to thank Dr Abdel Halim Al-Azmi the Secretary-General and spokesman for the World Federation of the Sufi in Paris for his respect to Shia rituals in the month of Muharram. Dr Al-Azmi stated Ashura, Shia Rituals in Muharram, is not limited to Shia Muslims and belongs to all Muslims. Therefore Salafis have no right to threat Shia for this ritual. He continued emphasizing that Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance not violence.

As Muharram and its ritual began on November 5^th, Salafis and Wahabbis, two most Shia rights violator terrorist groups have threatened and killed Shia Muslims to prevent them from participating in their rituals.

SRW appreciates Dr Abdel Halim Al-Azmi’s respect towards Shia rituals and believes all humanity can learn important lessons from Muharram campaign if they respect each other.

Closing Mosque to Fight with Shia Muslims

Mosques are being closed by the Algerian government to limit Shia teachings. A mosque in the city of Wahran was closed down so the Shia families of the area won’t be able to attend and potentially perform their Shia prayers.

Not long ago Shia Rights Watch received letters from Algerian Shia complaining about their local clergies and government forces’ discriminations against this population.

Algeria must not follow the footsteps of other Shia oppressors of the area and must protect its minorities, says SRW. Increasing trend against Shia Muslims must be stopped and all governments have to be aware of the danger of human rights violations in their countries. SRW urges the Algerian government to investigate the Shia rights violations and end them immediately.

Break-in into the Muharram Ritual

With the start of the month of Muharram the oppression and violation against Shia Muslims have accelerated. Many Shia Muslims who participate in the peaceful Muharram rituals have complained that their private gatherings were breached in by the forces. Muharram rituals are very important to the Bahraini Shia Muslims. This ritual is very peaceful and does not have political intentions.

Shia residence of the Sanad and Al-Ma’amir cities complain that the forces attacked their ritual gathering and created a very fearful environment for Shia Muslims.

Although Shia Muslims are majority of the population in Bahrain, they have been oppressed by their government for a very long time. The king promised reform in the country but no improvement was reported. Recently the kingdom revoked the citizenship of 31 Shia activists who peacefully stood up for the right of Shia Muslims.

SRW has always been concerned about the violations in Bahrain and has contacted the embassy of the Bahrain in the US many times. The Bahraini government has no legal right to revoke citizenship of any Bahraini, says SRW. How can a carrying government undocument the natives of the country?

11,420 Children Killed in Syria

War crime and human rights violations in Syria have concerned all human rights defenders and organizations as about 113,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict in this country. Children are the most vulnerable population in all countries. Many Syrian children are suffering as they lose their care takers, are forced to flee their homes, and lose access to education and nutrition every day. Many other children are losing their most basic human right, which is the right to live. According to a report done by Oxford Research Group in London, called Stolen Futures: The Hidden Toll of Child Casualties in Syria, 11,420 children under the age of 17, have been killed by the end of the August 2013. According to this figure about 10% of victims in Syria are minors. The cause of deaths includes sniper fire, explosives, targeted killings, chemical attacks and even torture.

The map was developed by researchers of the report and specifies Syrian cities with high number of children killed.

According to Shia Rights Watch, many of highlighted cities have a large number of Shia Muslim residence; therefore it is very likely that many of those children killed belonged to the Shia faith. Shia Muslims have been reported to be target of many extremist groups that moved to Syria with specific Shia killing mission. It is unfortunate to see extremists targeting children and minors. SRW has repeatedly contacted human rights organization, and even the UN, and asked them to protect Shia, especially innocent children. War crime in Syria is breaking world records of human rights violations and it is heart breaking.

As co-author of the original report, Hamit Dardagan, said “The world needs to take a much closer interest in the effects of the conflict on Syria’s children.”

A Shia Center Burned Down in Kuwait

A Shia Islamic Center was burned down in Kuwait. Witnesses report Al-Zahar Center was burned down and no group has claimed responsibility yet.

The mysterious attack took place as Shia Muslims are preparing for the holy month of Muharram. Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar, is a significant month for Shia Muslims as they commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, in 680 CE in the Battle of Karbala. Muharram rituals are significant to the Shia community as they symbolize Shia opposition to discrimination and oppression. The Shia community honors this month by wearing black attire and attending seminars, lectures and special prayer services.

No one was hurt but there was extensive damage to the central building and other properties owned by Shia Muslims.

Another attack took place while the Shia community was commemorating the 7^th day of the Hassan Shehata in Kuwait in July.

SRW is concerned for the security of Shia Muslims in this country. Shia Muslims are a minority in Kuwait and the government must protect them and their rights. SRW urges the government to investigate the violence toward Shia and prevent future attacks and discrimination.

Letter to Embassies on Upcoming Muharram

Shia Rights Watch’s Open Letter to Embassies on Upcoming Muharram

As the month of Muharram begins on November 5^th, 2013, SRW contacted number of embassies in US and invited them to respect the rights of their indigenous Shia community in performing the rituals associated with this month and protect them and their centers from harassment and harm.

The Shia Rights Watch ( SRW) sent the following letter to embassies on November 5, 2013:

Honorable Ambassador,

As human rights NGO dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of Shia Muslims globally, we are writing to bring to your attention the veneration and importance of the month of Muharram to the Shia populations in your country.

Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar, is a significant month for Shia Muslims as they commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, in 680 CE in the Battle of Karbala. Muharram rituals are significant to the community as they symbolize Shia opposition to discrimination and oppression. The community honors this month by wearing black attire and attending seminars, lectures and special prayer services.

Every year thousands of Shia Muslims are killed or wounded by anti-Shia groups while attending their peaceful and spiritual rituals. Shia Muslims of Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia have been targeted and killed during past Muharrams. Many Shia centers were closed or attacked in Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran and other countries. In some incidents even homes were raided by authorities in order to stop Shia Muslims from practicing their peaceful faith. Unfortunately most of the violation and aggression during Muharram against the Shia community were carried out by government officials.

This year our extensive research demonstrates that both Shia centers and spiritual leaders have already received threatening letters in anticipation of the month of Muharram.

SRW believes that respect and protection of religious freedom is the key to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. We call upon all governments to respect the right of their citizens and protect their lives and properties.

This year, SRW invites and urges all governments and authority figures to

Respect Shia practices during this special month.
Implement security plans that enable Shia to participate in their rituals without fear,
Remember that Muharram rituals are not a political movement, but rather religious and spiritual.
Shia Muslims hold different nationalities and are not dependent on any political group or government, and need to be granted their religious freedom and protection to practice their faith.

May the Muharram of 2013 be a peaceful month in which we all practice living in harmony and mutual respect.

SRW thanks you for your help in keeping all citizen safe.

Sincerely,

Mustafa Akhwand

Director of SRW

Killing Shia Professions Continues in Pakistan

Killing Shia Professions Continues in Pakistan. On Monday November 5, 2013, four Shia Muslims were shot and killed in different parts of the country. Dr Sher Ali and Dr Naseem Zaidi were gunned down in Manghopir neighborhood in western district and Tariq Road in the eastern part of the city. The other two victims were a shop owner and his assistance.

Shia Muslims make more than half of the population in Pakistan and they have been main target of dissemination and human rights violation in this country. Thousands of Shia Muslim have been killed due to their faith. The Pakistani government has failed to protect the rights of Shia Muslim. SRW has repeatedly contacted the Pakistani government and its embassy in US, yet there was no respond from them.

Many Shia Muslims who have been killed were among well-educated and influential professionals. Pakistani government is losing its very essential professions which will harm the development and improvement of the country.

SRW condemns the killings and urges the government to take immediate actions to stop the violence against Shia Muslims

What is Muharram Campaign!… And Is It Effective?

If you know Shia Muslims you certainly know that month of Muharram is the most significant time of the year for this people. The very first universal campaign against violence and discrimination took place by Shia Muslims after the tragedy of Karbala in the month of Muharram in 680 CE.

In this universal campaign all Shia Muslims wear black attire for nearly two month and attend seminars and conferences to spread the message of freedom, respect, and non-violence. Shi’ism is the only faith that holds universal campaign against human rights violation as part of their religious rituals.

This very peaceful and humanitarian campaign has been a concern for human rights violators as they perceive this campaign as a danger to their political and selfish interests. Every year thousands of Shia Muslims are killed because of their participation in this universal call for human rights.

Muharram of 2013 started today, November 5^th. Already Shia of Iraq, Iran and Egypt reported receiving threatening letters to prevent them from raising their voices against oppressors.

I wonder why such a peaceful gathering with very much needed message is being attacked. Such attacks prove that this campaign is actually accomplishing its goal. The goal of Muharram campaign is to increase awareness against human rights violations, end oppression, increase respect and harmony and finally call for non-violence. If the campaign was not effective, anti-human rights violators would not spend millions of dollars to stop it; they would not kill Shia Muslims to prevent their rituals and they would not fight with Shia Muslims.

What amazes me is that the more anti-Shia groups kill Shia Muslims, the more Shia participate in this campaign. This ritual is getting a lot of attention from international committee every year.

It is fair to call this campaign the only effective campaign in human rights field since most of the other movements do not get much attention, or at least international attention.

As a Shia Muslim I assure all that this campaign is not a political movement and only calls for unity and peace. I also invite all fair and just humans to join this international campaign and stop human right violations.

By Hawraa Zakery, a Shia rights activist and specialist on November 5, 2013

Anti- Shi’ism Grows in Iran

Shia Rights Watch strongly condemns the Shia killings in Iran. Fourteen Shia Muslim killed by a newly empowered terrorist group called Jundul Allah (Soldiers of God) in Iran. As activist report, a news anti-Shia movement in Iran is endangering Shia Muslims and increasing safety issues in south eastern cities such as Sistan and Baluchestan.

According to sources, Wahhabism is increasing in Iran. This group found, train and encourage most terrorist groups around the world, especially Middle East. According to their ideologies killing non- Wahhabis is permitted.

Last week Jundul Allah group attacked 14 Shia Muslims and kills them all on spot. Last year two Shia Muslims were killed by Jundul Allah group as they were returning from their rituals. Also three years ago the same group exploded a bomb near another Shia Muslims Center and killed at least 39 people.

Shia Rights Watch is concerned about the influence and development of such groups in Iran. Iranian government must immediately investigate the killings and prevent anti-Shia groups from further developments. Iran is a Shia majority country and Shia Muslims must feel safe to practice their faith, says SRW. The government is responsible for the safety of all citizens and must make sure anti-Shia terrorist groups do not find a reason and opportunity to increase their influence in this country.

Establishment of Armed Anti-Shia Group in Egypt

A new armed group calls for war against Shia Muslims in Egypt, according to Egypt Today news agency.

Pioneers Mohammad Army, is a group recruiting soldiers and advocating for arming against Shia Muslims in Arab nation. The leaders urge people to join their group “in order to cleanse the entire Arab world from the danger of the Shiites” as EgyptToday.co.uk reports.

Shia Rights Watch is concerned for the security and safety of Shia Muslims. Arming against a minority group, especially because of their faith, is against all international and humanitarian laws and regulations. SRW holds Egyptian government accountable for any violation against Shia minorities in this country. Pioneers Mohammad Army (“طلائع جيش محمد“) and any other hate group must be identified and stopped by the Egyptian government.

Egypt should not become a land in which anti-human rights can find security and support to carry hate movements, says SRW. Establishment of such groups can endanger thousands of Shia Muslims and result in extremists’ movements.

Shia Rights Watch urges Egyptian government to stop the hate group of Pioneers Mohammad Army (“طلائع جيش محمد“) immediately and secure the Shia Muslims in this country.

Welcome to Shia Rights Watch

SRW‘s Thanks to Spokesman for the World Federation of the Sufi in Paris

Shia Rights Watch’s Open Letter to Embassies on Upcoming Muharram