Shia Muslims spend the first ten days of the holy month of Muharram in ritual mourning commemorating the death of Hussain, son of Ali, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Muharram rituals are central to the Shia faith. The nature of these rituals make this population highly visible, and thus, Shia …
Read More »
Shia Rights Watch expresses gratitude for increased security in Pakistan in deterrence against anti-Shiism on the occasion of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. Shia Rights Watch recognizes the new measures as a response to protests by Shia Muslims in Pakistan and expresses appreciation on behalf of the international Shia community. …
Read More »
Incidents of Anti-Shiism in August, 2019 During August, Shia Rights Watch celebrated the Eid al-Adha by illuminating Time Square, New York. The organization called for solidarity against intolerance and injustice. SRW Eid al- Adha activity can be found here and here. Analysis of anti-Shiism in the first six months of …
Read More »
Shia Rights Watch strongly condemns the execution of 37 people by the Saudi government. Saudi is making history by its record-breaking executions and human rights violations. The sentences were carried out in Riyadh, the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, central Qassim province and Eastern Province, home to the …
Read More »
Annual report of Anti-Shiism around the Globe This report reflects investigative work Shia Rights Watch staff undertook in 2018 Introduction Parallel to the rise of coverage of the Shia identity came to an increased need for recognition for the dynamics of the faith-based population. With the Arab Spring starting …
Read More »
Shia rights violations continued in November. Anti-Shia incidents were witnessed in some countries. Most violation reports are from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Anti-Shia violations, including but not limited to, imprisonment, physical and emotional torture, limited or no access to medical assistance, hate speech, explosion, and executions. Shia …
Read More »
Shia Rights Watch invites the Human Rights Councils immediate attention to the escalation of human rights violations towards Shia Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the representation of the worlds humanitarian voice, the Human Rights Council holds a responsibility to demand justice for violations against of all those …
Read More »
Shia Rights Watch is extremely concerned as Israa al-Ghamgham, a detainee and a female Shia rights activist is sentenced to the death penalty for her involvement in peaceful demonstrations in Qatif. Al-Ghamgham is the first woman to be sentenced to the death penalty and that raises the concern in regards …
Read More »
In July, Shia Muslims around the world continue to be discriminated against for practicing their faith. The claim that Shia Muslims are “idolatrous” or “heretical” is often used to justify heinous human rights abuses against Shia Muslims, and to obstruct their right to religious freedom. Shia Muslims throughout the world …
Read More »
Shia Rights Watch Defending Justice and Rights