Arrest due to Muharram Ritual

An Egyptian Shia activist was arrested for practicing Shia ritual of Muharram. Amro Ibrahim attended Shia Islamic Center (Hussainia ) to participate in Muharram gathering on November 14^th, 2013. Officials canceled the program on spot. Amro insisted he is practicing his human rights. Immediately he was arrested by forces.

Amro Ibrahim practiced his religion peacefully and within the constraints of Egyptian law says SRW. However, the government has not taken any measures to release him or provide information about his legal situation or charge.

SRW urges Egyptian government to release Ibrahim and treat all Egyptian same as they are all equal.

Shia Activists Condemn their Government’s Actions

Kuwaiti Shia Muslims condemn their government’s recent violations of the rights of Shia Muslims. Recently Kuwait expelled influential Shia scholars from the country. Many Shia Muslim speakers who were traveling to Kuwait for speaking engagements were prevented from entering the country.

Thawabet Shia, an organization that protects Shia Rights in Kuwait, stated that the Kuwaiti constitution explicitly protects the right to freedom of religion and that the government must take active steps to implement this right.

Shia Muslims make up 40% of the Kuwaiti population. The government of Kuwait has an obligation to protect the significant Shia minority, but instead has chosen to oppress them and limit their free exercise of religion.

SRW urges the government of Kuwait to protect Shia Muslims in their free exercise of religion, especially during the holy month of Muharram.

Muharram in Bahrain

Bahraini forces attack Shia Muslims in their Muharram rituals. According to activists Bahraini forces have increased pressure on Shia Muslims as they participate in Shia rituals of Muharram. Many Shia Muslim gatherings, seminars and rituals were raided and some Shia were injured. The governmental forces ripped banners and flags and used tear gas to disperse Shia Muslims.

Shia rituals in Muharram have no political motive and is a peaceful religious gathering, says Shia Rights Watch.

SRW condemns the violations of Bahraini government toward Shia Muslims. Bahrain kingdom has no right to limit or prevent Shia from participating in their rituals and this kingdom must respect Shia Muslims and recognize them as rightful citizens of the nation.

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

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