As the Shia communities in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and worldwide were observing Muharram processions and commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson and third Shia Imam, Hussein ibn Ali (A.S.), a rights group has documented violations against the Shia in several countries.

Shia Rights Watch has compiled anti-Shia incidents in the first 10 days of Muharram 2019 in Bahrain, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Malaysia, Nigeria and Iraq, where anti-Shia actions were carried out by authorities. SRW however suggests unlike previous years extremist or Takfiri attacks against Shia processions were limited in Iraq.

• Bahrain:

Al Khalifa regime escalated suppression on the Shia gatherings and arrested leaders and organizers of Muharram events.

The Interior Ministry announced that it would crack down on Muharram commemorations and banned raising slogans or pictures of religious and political figures or that of foreign parties.

Shia clerics, preacher, eulogy reciters and Matam organizers were summoned and at least 15 of them were taken to custody.

The Bahraini regime also increased its measures in prisons and restricted mourning processions. At notorious Jaw Prison, authorities put those who encouraged Matam events in solitary confinement and prevented the prisoners to convene for mourning.

• Indian-controlled Kashmir:

Shia Muslims have become the target of restrictions as the conflict extends in the Kashmir Valley. India announced a ban on all gatherings in the Shia-dominated neighborhoods of Srinagar from the first of Muharram on the grounds that Muharram-related demonstrations would turn into political rallies. Two days before the Day of Ashura, on September 8 India imposed a curfew in Lal Chowk, Rainwari and Budgam. Clashes between Indian paramilitary forces and Shia protesters led to injuries among the local people. Dozens were arrested.

• Malaysia:

Authorities in Selangor state ordered local mosques to warn their worshippers over the spread of what they described as deviant teachings. The Selangor Islamic Religious Department said Sunni Muslims should not be affected by the practice of Shia Islam. On September 8, just two days before Ashura, security forces raided a Shia center on Gombak and arrested 23 people including women and children. The detainees were told that they were under investigation for opposing a fatwa against the Shia Islam.

• Nigeria:

Government forces attacked Ashura processions in several states including Kaduna; killed at least 14 and injured many Shia Nigerians.

• Iraq:

Cleric and PhD students of Islamic Studies at the University of Baghdad, Sheikh Mu’ayad Musawi, was shot dead by unknown gunmen on the outskirts of the capital.

Source: en.shafaqna.com