Egyptian Public, Clerics and Government are Responsible for Harms that Shia Face

Once again Shia Muslim leader and influential figure is threatened in Egypt. Ismael Shahateh, brother of Hasan Shahateh was threatened by hundreds of people who raided his home last week in Harbit village. He was asked to live his home and neighborhood.

Ismael is the brother of Hasan Shahate who was killed at a mom attack to his home late June, 2013. As many as 3000 people attacked his home and killed him and two other Shia Muslims and dragged his dead body in streets. Egyptian forces witnessed the mob but did not take any action. Although many Egyptians condemned the attack, last week they raided the home of Ismael Shahateh and aimed to force him out of his home. Shia Muslims protected Ismael and the attackers left the area.

Egyptian Shia Muslims report the attacks are motivated by hate lectures of Salafi clerics of the village.

SRW strongly condemns the attacks to Shia Muslim figures and demand stop to them. Egyptian public, clerics and government are responsible for any harm that Shia might face. Shia Muslims have long history in Egypt and they must be respected just like other minorities in the country.

Bahraini Forces Must be Found Guilty Under the New Laws

The National Assembly of the Bahrain increases restriction and harsher punishments for “act of terrorism”. The new laws include no less than 10 years imprisonment, death penalty, and even revocation of citizenship.

SRW in concerned about the safety and security of Shia Muslim protestors. According to activists the new law is to legalize human rights violations and not to bring security back to the country. Although the authorities state that the increased harsh punishment is for those who are arrested for “terrorist activities”, they do not describe and define what is considered “terror” in Bahrain. According to all dictionaries terrorism is the use of violence, however seems like the Bahraini government has its own definition of terrorism.

SRW believes in Bahrain it is the government that is using violence to stop peaceful protestors. People of Bahrain have started and continued their protest peacefully. In fact no protestor has been arrested with any weapon. Yet the government clearly has been attacking, arresting, torturing and even killing protestors violently.

If the government is no actually implement the law and bring criminals to justice, than many Bahraini forces must be count responsible for death of many Shia Muslims in Bahrain since they are the one acting as terrorist.

SRW urges the Bahraini government to either repeal the new laws or implement them on security forces who acted violently toward peaceful protestors.

Letter to Y.B. Mejar Jeneral Dato’ Seri Jamil Khir Bin Baharom/ Malaysia

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department

Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak

Honorable Minister,

On behalf of Shia Rights Watch, I am writing to highlight the ongoing human rights violations toward Shia Muslims in Malaysia and to ask for action to prevent future violations.

Malaysia is a multi-religious and multiracial nation and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Shia Muslims are all minorities in the society. However, Shia Muslims are the only minority group that faces increasing unfair treatment and violation from the government. Although Shia are Muslims, their faith is considered “deviant” in Malaysia and by the Malaysian government.

SRW is writing to highlight that prohibiting the practice of any religion is against human rights and a clear violation of a number of Articles in the International Bill of Human Rights (IBHR), The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the Islamabad Declaration that Malaysia is affiliated with.

It is shocking to learn Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, stated that banning Shia teaching is not against human rights as the Kedah government announced that it would ban the Syiah (Shia) teachings in Kedah.

SRW is also concerned about the abolishment of The 40th Special Conference of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs that Malaysia convened in1996, which discussed the status of Shia in Malaysia and “decided that only the Zaidiyyah and Jafariyyah Shia sects are accepted to be practiced in Malaysia”. Abolishing such a law will only increase intolerance among the citizens. Malaysia’s consideration or decision to ban the Shia from practicing and teaching their faith is clear violation of human rights laws according to Articles 2 and 22 of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration of 2012, which Malaysia has committed to in the presence of President Barack Obama in Phnom Penh on November 18th 2012. The Articles state:

Article 2

Every person is entitled to the rights and freedoms set forth herein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, gender, age, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic status, birth, disability or other status.

Article 22

Every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. All forms of intolerance, discrimination and incitement of hatred based on religion and beliefs shall be eliminated.

Also, Malaysia’s stand against the Shia population is contrary to Islamabad Declaration (2007) which was signed by Datuk Syed Hamid Albar, Home Minister at the time to represent Malaysia at The Thirty Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on 15-17th May 2007. Islamabad Declaration (2007) states that:

“No Muslim, whether he or she is Shi’ite or Sunni, may be subject to murder or any harm, intimidation, terrorization, or aggression on his property; incitement thereto; or forcible displacement, deportation, or kidnapping. All Muslims to refrain seriously from any provocation of sensitivities or sectarian or ethnic strife, as well as any name-calling, abuse, prejudice or vilification and invectives.”

Moreover, recently SRW was informed that The Home Ministry is urged to immediately ban printed materials such as books and novels written by Syiah (Shia Muslim) followers. This ban limits the Shia’s access to their educational sources and is not acceptable.

The fact that you are promoting anti-Shia laws and do not consider it contrary to human rights is unexpected.

Ever since the 1980s the Shia Muslim community has been facing stigma and violations of rights including arrests, attacks on private practices in community centers and confiscation of properties. A report published by Shia Rights Watch clearly detailed the violations toward Shia Muslims in Malaysia. According to the many Shia that complain about the situation of Shia; they are afraid to practice their faith in public.

S.R.W believes it is important for the Malaysian government to recognize Shia as Muslims and give them the human rights that they are entitled to, just like any other citizen in the country. Freedom and respect to religions must be observed in Malaysia and all citizens should be treated equally.

To this end, SRW urges the Malaysian government to:

Stop anti-Shia activities and respect basic human rights of Shia regarding their religious freedom,
Free and drop charges against detained Shia Muslim ,
Put a stop to anti-Shia fatwas and religious documents,
Allow Shia to practice their faith freely,
Rather than applying pressure to the Shia community, violating their rights and provoking them to retaliate, Malaysia should be working together with this minority group to ensure that the well -being and the rights of the community are preserved. The government should promote policies and practices that ensure the right of every religious group to exercise its faith free from legal, political, or economic restrictions. This includes the Shia Muslim minority.

Peace is only obtainable under understanding and respect for others.

Mustafa Akhwand

Director of SRW

Six Cities under Attack

Shia killings continue in Iraq after July that was the deadliest month since 2006. Shia populated areas of Iraq faces more bomb explosion than any other country in the world. Explosions on Tuesday August 6^th killed 30 and injured 100 of people.

UN reported 1,057 deaths and 2,236 Iraqi wounded however many officials believe the number is much higher: In fact violent and death toll in Iraq in much higher than in Syria.

Explosions happened in Al-Nahrawan, Karrada, Al-Shaab , Al-Husseiniya, Al-Dora and Zafaraniya. Most explosions happened right before Iftar. Iftar is the time Muslims break their Ramadan fast.

Iraq is facing increasing violence against Shia Muslims and the government has not been able to protect civilians. Terrorist groups attack Shia to increase tension and show opposition to the government.

SRW believs the government should work harder in bring security back to Iraq and must communicate with opposition groups in order to stop the violence.

Rationality Behind the Formula?

Last week I posted an article about my journey to finding a formula to Shia targeted killings. Since the formula is created by humans, then I would expect some sort of rationality behind it… so I began examining the history and also recent world activities.

The rationalities I found are very funny. Here goes the list:

1)Rationality: The world should be cleaned from Shia Muslims …..so anti-Shia think they can kill ALL Shia Muslims in the world?

My Question: Really? All of them? So they are willing and ready to kill about half of all Muslims?

2)Rationality: Shia Muslims are infidels so they deserve being killed.

My Question: 1^st that is not a true statement and 2^nd are there no other infidels left in the world, and Shia are the only group left to be killed?

3)Rationality: Shia are minorities and the world is a better place if we are all one big alike group.

My Question: Are Shia only minorities and by killing them the world would be made up all majorities? What will happen to all the other minorities? Can anti-Shia terrorists even imagine a world in which everyone is alike?

4)Rationality: Shia Muslims are trying to take away kingdoms and governments?

My Question: Did Shia ever asked or demanded power? Beside even in Shia governed countries violate Shia rights are being violated.

5)Rationality: Anti- Shia are scared from Shia Muslims.

My Question: HHMMM, I wonder why?

Maybe because they do not even know Shia, after all, humans are scared of what they don’t know.

I tried to put my foot into ant-Shia groups shows and all the rationalities I figured are irrational a …..

I know Shia Muslims’ only demand is freedom to be who they are and practice what they believe in peacefully, away from violence and killings.

Is that too much to ask??

By Hawraa, Human Rights Activist and Specialist on August 6, 2013

So…. What is the Formula?

Working as a researcher that reads and writes about Shia Muslims’ oppressions 24/7 and having long background in Psychology and Education made me wonder about the existence of a formula to Shia targeted killings. Probably if we find the formula, we can predict the future and plan accordantly, to change the world to a better place!!!! maybe?

So one formula could be: “Kill Minorities and the world will be a better place” . Majorities do not like minorities so they kill them, Rights?

WRONG….

In Iraq Shia are majority and are being killed to create instability and weaken the government,

In Bahrain Shia are majority and are being killed because the government does not feel they should be entitled any rights,

Another formula could be: “Kill minorities because they are threat to security”. So maybe Shia minorities threaten the security of the majority therefore they are being killed, Right?

WRONG again,

In Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia Shia have always lived in peace with the rest of the society, yet the governments cannot stand them.

Seems like it is not even the matter of minority or majority!?

Because in some parts of the Pakistan Shia are majority and in some other parts they are minority, and they are being killed in all parts of the country.

In Syria Shia Muslims are minority and the government is Alawi yet they are being killed for many reason. Some kill Shia to take revenge from the Alawi government, some kill Shia because they were told Shia are infidels and it is an honor to kill them, some others kill Shia because it’s fun, and some kill them hopping there would be no more Shia to stand up for their rights and say no to their oppressors. In fact the story of Shia in Syria is one of the scariest so far. There, Shia are not just dying in car bombs, they are slaughtered, in some cases in front of each other just to add some flavor of torture to it. However there are many more deaths in Iraq where there is a democratic government in place. Death toll in Iraq rose 4000 since January 2013. Sadly the victims are always random civilians. Many of them killed while shopping or attending rituals.

After hours of thinking and analyzing I realized there is a formula….however it is the most unfair one. I figure the formula is “kill Shia Muslims and don’t look for reason”…..

To me that is a very barbarian and inhumane formula.

I wake up every morning with the hope to replace the formula…….Any suggestions?

By Hawraa, a Human Rights Activist and Specialist on August 1, 2013.

Saudi Shia: Oppression Continues

Shia rights violations continue in Saudi Arabia as security forces arrest and raid homes of Shia activists who peacefully protest in order to gain freedom and recognition.

As many as nine Shia Muslims were arrested in Awamiya village of Qatif today July 30, 2013. Forces also arrested three women and release them shortly after. Shia Muslims are minority in Saudi Arabia and they have always been oppressed under the Al-Saud kingdom. Arab Spring gave the Shia courage to stand up for their rights and demand freedom and democracy. The pressure and violation increased since and the government creates false accusation to arrest Shia Muslims.

Shia Muslims have lived in Saudi Arabia for years and they have never caused unrest in the country. They only protest peacefully to demand their rights and show their opposition to Saudi’s involvement is Shia killings in other countries such as Bahrain.

Shia Rights Watch condemns Saudi government’s use of violent and arm against peaceful protestors. The government should recognize Shia and protect their rights.

Ramadan and Bloodshed in Pakistan

Bloodshed increases as Ramadan passes in Pakistan, as hundreds have been killed in targeted suicidal bombing in Shia populated areas.

Two suicidal members blew themselves up near two Shia Muslim mosques in Parachinar. Thirty-nine Shia were killed and 72 other wounded as the result. The death toll increases as many are seriously wounded. State TV reported 42 dead and 180 injured so far. Attacks occurred on the Friday as people attend mosques for special rituals. Friday is considered a holy day and is very important to many Shia Muslims.

Parachinar is home to a large number of Shiite Muslims, which are a minority sect in Pakistan. Wahhabis and Salafis do not view Shia as Muslims, therefore permit killing them.

Shia Muslims of Pakistan have been discriminated against for centuries and the government has failed to protect them. Many natives blame Pakistani government for the sectarian violent.

SRW condemns the attacks and urges the government to protect Shia and asks the U.S government to pressure Pakistani government to investigate the attacks.

Deadliest Ramadan in the History of Iraq

Ramadan, is half way through and so far it has been a month full of bloodshed. Tens of suicidal and car explosions have killed hundreds of people in this month. Iraq hosts thousands of visitors during the month of Ramadan and SRW is concerned about the security and safety of pilgrims who visit this country in the remaining days of Ramadan. As many as 520 people have lost their right to live since the beginning of July 2013. Most of the attacks took place in worship centers, mosques and busy markets. The nature of these attacks was to target innocent citizens and it is a crime that must be stopped.

Official forces are urged to secure the country and protect not only all citizens but also pilgrims. Safety and security are human rights which must be protected. An increase in saefty measures adds to the credibility of the government, increases pilgrims, and therefore helps the country’s economic rises as well.

SRW asks the Iraqi government to increase security of the country and investigate the killings immediately.

SRW Attends U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Briefing on the Future of Religious Freedom in Pakistan

On Thursday, July 18th, SRW representatives attended the USCIRF briefing on the future of religious freedom in Pakistan. Every year, USCIRF releases a report detailing various violations of religious freedom. The situation in Pakistan is particularly concerning with a number of religious minorities being persecuted against. Speakers included Peter Bhatti, a member of the Pakistani Christian community and brother of murdered Pakistani Cabinet member Shahbaz Bhatti, Qasim Rashid, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslims community, Rahat Husain, a Shia Muslim from the Universal Muslim Association of America, and Jay Kansara, a Hindu and associate director of the Hindu American Foundation.
During the briefing, both violent persecution committed by militants and religious extremists, as well as legal discrimination on the part of the Pakistani government were discussed. The four main religious minorities in Pakistan (Shia, Ahmadis, Christians, and Hindus) all faced religiously motivated violence. The situation facing Shia Muslims is especially bad, perhaps even constituting genocide. In the past year, USCIRF documented over 400 deaths of Shia Muslims targeted by militants and terrorist organizations. While the violence against the other groups is not quite as prevalent, all four minorities face kidnappings, rapes, forced conversions, murders and attacks on religious buildings.
The Pakistani government also systematically discriminates against these minorities. The controversial blasphemy laws in Pakistan targets religious minorities and dissenting Muslims. It allows “dissenting Muslims” who do not agree with the state’s interpretation of Islam to be imprisoned, and many are serving life sentences or are to be executed for their religious beliefs.
Another aspect that was talked about was the education system. Minorities are discriminated against in the education system, and the required textbooks often alienate religious minorities. Discrimination is likely to continue if children are taught at a young age to discriminate against these minorities.
Lastly, Shuja Nawaz, Director of the South Asia Center, Atlantic Council, gave an introductory summary of the situation in Pakistan. He spoke of the many schisms in Pakistani society, including religious, ethnic, and tribal breakups. He talked about how various military and political groups will often manipulate exacerbate these tensions to their advantage. Having these conflicting political and military groups, combined with societal tensions and a weak Pakistani government has led to Pakistan becoming a failing state and of particular concern to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
SRW thanks UCIRF for looking into Shia rights violations in Pakistan and hopes to help Pakistani Shia regain their security and dignity.

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Letter to Y.B. Mejar Jeneral Dato’ Seri Jamil Khir Bin Baharom/ Malaysia