Spotlight, special edition by Shia Rights Watch

Established in 2011, Shia Rights Watch (SRW) is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first independent organization dedicated to define and protect the rights of Shia Muslims around the world. SRW is a non- governmental, not-for-profit research entity and advocacy group headquartered in Washington D.C., U.S.A. Shia Rights Watch aims to draw the international attention where Shia rights are violated; the aim is to give a voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. S.R.W. achieves its objectives through strategic investigations supported by targeted advocacy in order to bring about informed action.

Vision

Freedom of religion for all

Shia Rights Watch envisions the world with peace for all humans, regardless of their religion, gender, race and origin. There should be regulations in every country to support every religion. We believe Shia Muslim as religion should be recognized in every country and any discrimination should be brought to light. God has given us all the freedom of religion and the rights to live in peace.

Mission

No Shia above the law and no Shia Below the law

Shia Rights Watch is dedicated to protect the rights of Shia Muslims worldwide. We investigate violations against Shia communities in order to raise awareness against injustice. We promote the change through research and publications. Our reports and articles are submitted to the governments and international organizations, and we continually monitor media outlets to ensure coverage of Shia rights violations. Shia Rights Watch stands for victims of prejudice, and supports activism in order to prevent discrimination, support political freedom, and protect people from inhumane conduct. We enlist the local public and international communities to support the cause of human rights for all.

The Purpose of SRW Shia Muslims face constant oppression throughout the world solely based on their faith. In some countries, Shia Muslims have been the target of repeated persecution for centuries as evidenced in the well-documented expansion of extremism of the Wahhabi movement. We believe the underrepresented Shia Muslim population need a human rights organization that highlights the violations against them, while giving their call for help a louder voice.

Staff Organization The organization began with the collaborative efforts of volunteers with a common interest in advocating international human rights. The momentum created by the increasing number of volunteer and activism allowed for a formal development of the foundation of Shia Rights Watch. Currently the organization has more than 100 active members working in various locations worldwide. The responsibilities of members range from gathering news and information to publishing reports and articles in order to advocate change. We are proud of the religiously and ethnically diverse group of activists who are working together towards a common goal.

Methodology of SRW We believe that information is the most valuable resource in the investigative process. From the organization’s inception, we have focused on gathering information through various media: interviewing witnesses, family members of the victims and victims themselves; on-site collection of resources; analyzing reports from various national and international organizations; meeting with non-governmental and religious organizations, leaders, and journalists; and creating information networks in a wide range of social sectors. Based on the information collected from the above sources, different types of human rights violation have been identified. These violations include but are certainly not limited to:

• Violation of right of living; • Arbitrary arrest, unfair trial, and illegal detention; • Psychical & psychological abuse: torture, rape, and sexual assault; • Illegal confiscation of private property; • Demolition of Religions centres; • Employment discrimination; • Education discrimination;

Reports, Publications, and Distribution Whether it is terrorist bombings of sacred shrines, torture and unjust detention of people, discriminative legislation or intimation of school children for their sectarian beliefs, Shia have been victimized in most the world. In countries where the press is tightly controlled, most of these cases go unnoticed. Shia Rights Watch tells the stories of injustices and atrocities in order to give a voice to the marginalized Shia victims. Journalists investigating topics regarding the Middle East will benefit from SRW’s focus on the Shia communities since they are crucially important sectors in Middle Eastern society. For instance, In order to fully examine the ongoing atrocities committed against protesters of the Arab spring, it is necessary to know about the embedded Shia struggle. In areas where Shia have been formerly discriminated against more subtly, the Arab Spring opened a door for more blunt persecution. Cases reported in other parts of the world, such as in South Asia, describe violence and intimidation which reflect fluctuating trends in sectarian hostilities, fueled by various political issues, including terrorism. SRW’s aim is to be able to report the crimes affecting Shia in every part of the globe. SRW has investigators on the forefront who communicate directly with the victims and monitor multilingual news media outlets. SRW networks with national committees, international human rights organizations, as well as religious scholars of Shia communities. SRW’s members comprise of people with diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds united to defend the of human rights. This international network provides invaluable information to commentators and journalists of the media who are seeking to explore the impact of events on the Shia communities worldwide.

SPOTLIGHT Special Edition

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Introduction

This report is a compilation of research conducted to highlight the continued, systematic violence and human rights violations conducted against Shia communities in the eight countries where most Shia Muslim rights violations took place in 2012. By publishing this report, Shia Rights Watch hopes that readers, journalists, and politicians learn about these human rights violations and work toward action-oriented solutions that will promote accountability on the part of the governments of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and Iraq. Shia Rights Watchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concern regarding the health and rights of the Shia population is increasing as human rights violations are escalating in Middle East. As the violations sclated in 2011, the organization stood up for the oppressed Shia Muslims and aimed to give a voice to the voiceless. The organization began by conducting field research, by interviewing victims and witnesses of the violations, and by reading about the Shia rights violations in various media. The research was published in the form of annual reports and these reports are accessible through the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. So far five reports have been published by the SRW. The organization categorized the countries with violations into two categories; similar to the U.S Department of State classifications. The first category(I) includes countries in which Shia rights are being severely violated, and the second category consists of countries that SRW is concerned about. This report will address each of the eight category (I) countries, providing general background information, a summary of recent human rights abuses and an analysis of various types of violations that are being committed in each country. The list of countries and their classification can be found on the next page.

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Category I: Countries with many reported Shia Muslim rights violations belong to this category. Those countries are:

BAHRIAN

PAKISTAN

EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA

INDONESIA

SYRIA

IRAQ

MALAYSIA

Category II: Countries in which Shia Muslims have filed complaints, but that have not yet documented severe deprivation of life or arbitrary arrests belong in this category. Those countries are:

AFGHANISTAN

TURKEY

AZARBAIJAN

KUWAIT

IRAN MOROCCO 8.

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YEMEN

The Kingdom of Bahrain Background

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands off the east coast of the Persian Gulf. It was founded by the Sunni Al-Khalifa family in 1783, but became a protectorate of the British Empire until they gained their independence in 1971. The Al-Khalifa family continues to rule over Bahrain and often struggles to govern the Shia-dominated population. Facing a decline in oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to other sector to sustain its economy. It is now an international banking center and focuses on petroleum processing and refining. Its economic power, in addition to its central location in the Persian Gulf gives it significant international power for such a small nation of only 1,281,000 people. Of these 1,281,000 people, majority of which are Shia muslims, and the remaining are Sunni, Christian, or another religious minority. Bahrain is one of the five countries in the world whose population is majority Shia, though it is the only country where a Shia majority is led exclusively by a Sunni minority.

Summary of Violations Shia Muslims in Bahrain have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the government’s failure to uphold its promise of democracy and freedom. In 2011, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa appointed The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) to investigate the government’s response to pro-democracy demonstrations. The Commission concluded that government authorities did use excessive force against peaceful protesters and maltreated and tortured detainees. BICI proposed recommendations to address the violations and the King agreed to take action, but in reality never implemented the recommendations. In the midst of the Arab Spring in 2011, Bahraini protestors seeking government reform poured into the Pearl Roundabout. The protesters selected February 14th as a day of protest to coincide with the 10thanniversary of the National Action Charter. Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad, promised to hold a dialogue with the protestors. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates visited the country to discuss the situation along with a visit to the UAE for an arms deal. Since the departure of the British army in 1971, Bahrain has historically used the Saudi National Guard as a second line of defence against the Shia majority. On March 14th 2012, troops from Saudi Arabia and the UAE entered Bahrain under the pretence of protecting essential facilities, which were primarily the oil and gas installations, as well as financial institutions. On March 15th, the government began a retaliatory crackdown. The following months were filled with arrests, tortures, and deaths. Most of the protesters are Shia who seek reform and democracy in the country.

Violations • Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life Many Bahraini Shia have lost their lives in their home country at the hand of their own government. Bahraini security forces have violated many citizens’ right to life based on their religion and their peaceful opposition to the government. Many peaceful protesters were shot and killed by riot police during the on-going protests, while many others, including infants and children, suffocated from the excessive use of tear gas. Many of those who have been arrested have later died in prison or while being hospitalized after being tortured by the government. A significant number of Shia men, women, and children have died since the start of the Arab Spring in Bahrain.

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B) Arbitrary Arrest or Detention Bahraini authorities have arrested many protestors during and after the peaceful demonstrations. Many of those detained were under the age of 18. There have been reports that the authorities raided homes during the night without warrants and local human rights activists and attorneys stated that the security forces would often arrest or abduct Shia men and children arbitrarily. According to Bahrain Centre for Human Rights’ (BCHR) latest report, there are 4000 estimated cases of arrest since February of 2011; 40% of which were under the age of 18. These arrests were not limited to Shia men, as children and women were also targeted. The Bahraini government also committed mass arrests, such as when a girl’s school bus, with its 40 passengers, was taken directly to the police station because some of the girls were chanting "down with Hamad" inside the bus on the way home from school. Another example is that Zainab Al-Khawaja and Nabeel Rajab, two of the most active and influential human rights defenders, have been repeatedly arrested.

C ) Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane Treatment or Punishment Many reports reveal that the activists detained by the Bahraini regime undergo torture in the prisons. Local human rights activists and attorneys alleged that many of the 23 Shia activists arrested in August and September and charged pursuant to counterterrorism legislation, including a prominent blogger, were beaten, subjected to electric shock, hung upside down, and beaten on their feet in a torture method called falaqa. During court sessions in October, November, and December, all detainees stated they were beaten by National Security Agency officers, some claiming they were subjected to electric shocks, made to stand for long periods of time, and made to sign confessions during or after mistreatment or torture. Sources reveal some of the Kings close family members were directly involved in torturing the prisoners. Cleric and activist Abdulla Al Mahroos told the higher court of appeal that, “Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has tortured and beaten me in the building of the National Security apparatus during my arrest and I had seen him with my own eyes when he hit me on my face with his hand and also with a black hose”.

D) Righs to a Fair Public Trial The trial of 25 Shia activists charged pursuant to the counterterrorism law, two of which were based in the United Kingdom and tried in their absence, commenced on October 28, 2010. In some cases, journalists and human rights activists were denied access to the court. The defendants' lawyers, together with local non-government organizations asserted that security personnel subjected the activist to mistreatment and torture while in pre-trial detention, deprived them of adequate access to legal counsel, and prevented them from meeting with family members for several weeks. The Bahraini Government denied the right of fair public trial of these Shia activists.

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E ) Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence

The constitution of Bahrain prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence. According to the law, the government is required to obtain a court order before monitoring telephone calls, e-mail, and/or personal correspondence. However, many Shia Muslim citizens believe in the existence of extensive police informer networks. The history of discrimination against Shia community prevents citizens from complaining and asking for their legal rights.

F) Visitation Rights

After the Arab Spring, the government suspended visitation rights for some inmates. The government did not permit family members to visit dozens of detainees arrested on security- related charges for at least several weeks.

â&#x20AC;˘ Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including:

A) Freedom to Peaceful Assembly and Association The protests in Bahrain began peacefully; there were no weapons involved, and no violence or vandalism was witnessed. Many protestors carried flowers as a symbol of their peaceful intent; however, Bahraini forces used violence to deter the protesters. In most incidents, Bahraini police used live ammunition on peaceful protestors. Bahraini police also used tear-gas to break up marches. The uses of toxic teargas led to the death of many people. Police routinely beat protesters, oftentimes during the arrest or while transferring them to police stations. It is reported that more than 100 people were killed due to suffocation of toxic teargas and the use of ammunition. Many were hospitalized due to maltreatment.

B ) Freedom of Religion Bahraini authorities have repeatedly demolished and destroyed Shia Islamic centres and mosques. McClatchy newspapers reported that the Bahraini government demolished or seriously damaged forty-three Shia mosques or religious structures. Some of the mosques were historic structures. All religious structures had been properly registered with the government, according to the sources.

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C ) Right to Citizenship Opposition groups claimed the government regularly ignored naturalization requirements to manipulate demographics for voting and to maintain Sunni minority’s domination of police and defence forces over the Shia majority. According to these opposition groups, the government was more lenient with naturalization requests from foreign residents in the security forces, while Shia and other applicants experienced delays in processing of their cases.

• Section 3. Discrimination, Societal Abuses A) Sexual and psychological abuses

Family members of detainees reported being sexually and mentally abused by authorities who raided their homes to arrest their family members. They were also threatened to be raped or killed.

• Section 4. Worker Rights A) Right to Equal Employment BICI’s report states that Sunnis dominate political institutions. According to the US Department of State, government and societal discrimination against the Shia population remains a problem. Sunnis receives preference for employment in sensitive government positions and in the managerial ranks of the civil service. The defence and internal security forces are also predominantly Sunni, and few Shia members attained high-ranking positions. Shia Muslims are not represented in civil service, police, and security forces.

Conclusion The past year has been a tough year for Shia Muslims in Bahrain due to government suppression. Shia lost their lives, jobs, dignity and freedom in Bahrain since the government violated almost all of their basic human rights.

Note : For detailed report refare to " Shia Target og Inhumane Treatment” on shiarightwatch.org

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The Arab Republic of Egypt Background

Egypt is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge into Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in the Mediterranean Basin with strategic access to the Suez Canal. However, Egypt faces many challenges such as political instability and economic turmoil. Egypt is also one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East, with a population of over 80 million. The majority of the population (90%) is Muslim, consisting primarily of Sunni Muslims, although there is also a significant Coptic Christian community with various other religious minorities.

Summary of Violations Egypt has been undergoing many political changes since the Arab Spring. The Arab Spring gave hope to many, especially minorities, that the new changes would bring freedom and democracy to their communities. However, in most cases, the transition phase provided opportunities for some to take advantage of the unrest and target minorities violently. Shia Muslims are among the growing numbers of minorities that became victims of the unrest. Shia Muslims, under pressure under the Mubarak government, are still facing discrimination in the new Egyptian government and political system. In many cases, Shia Muslims are being targeted as a group with political intentions that are tied to Iran. However, in reality, the vast majority of Shia Muslims, including Egyptian Shia Muslims, have no personal or political ties to the Islamic Republic. They are simply practicing their faith and honoring their belief with no political intentions.

Violations The on-going violations have been categorized into the following sections:

• Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life Although according to law, “Everyone has the right to recognition” Shia Muslims are a forgotten minority in Egypt to the point that there are no accurate official statistics about the number of Shia Muslims in Egypt. Egyptian Shia Muslims have reported receiving threatening letters at their doors. Insecurity and fear is increasing among Shia Muslims in this country to the point they hide their faith so that their families are safe.

• Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A) Freedom of Religion The Egyptian Constitution, under Article 46, provides freedom of belief and the practice of religious rites; however, the Government restricts these rights in practice. The state of human rights and freedom of religion in Egypt remains poor due to government intolerance towards minority religious groups. Religious freedom, in particular, has worsened dramatically in recent months. Human rights activists and organizations are concerned about extremist groups who support policies aimed at destroying the rights of others. These groups are continuing to advance in the Egyptian government. Sources reveal some religious groups in Egypt, such as the Salafis, became heavily involved in the Egyptian political arena after the 2011 uprising. These groups are extremely against the Shia Muslim population establishing a political party or even engaging in any political activity, a basic human right for all citizens. SPOTLIGHT, SPECIAL EDITION . 15

Egyptian government has permitted anti-Shia Muslim groups to openly degrade Shia Muslims and their faith and spread hatred messages against them. Shia Muslims in Egypt do not feel safe to express their faith or practice it in public.

Conclusion Egyptian Shia Muslims are called infidels and the Salafi clerics and government authorities have repeatedly violated the Shia Muslimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to security, as well as their right to freedom of assembly and religion.

Note : For detailed report refare to " Shia Muslims killing, Rise of Intolerance in Egyptâ&#x20AC;? on shiarightwatch.org

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The Republic of Indonesia Background The Republic of Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia consisting of an archipelago of 17,508 islands that lie between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, but of these 17,508 islands only about 6,000 are populated. The largest islands are Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. Indonesia is bordered by Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. Since gaining its independence in1949, Indonesia has faced political turmoil including rioting, martial law, and attempted coups. Fortunately, in 1999 Indonesia held its first free and fair elections and continues to operate in this way. It still faces many issues such as preventing terrorism, encouraging democracy after four decades of authoritarian rule, stemming corrupt, and hold security forces accountable for human rights violations. Indonesia has grown considerably now having a total population of 251 million, making it the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th most populous country and 3rd most populous democracy. It is also the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest archipelagic nation, as well as the largest Muslim-majority state. According to the Pew Research Center, the religious makeup of the islands is as follows: 88.1% Muslim, about 7% Protestants, 3% Catholics, and 3% Hindu. The majority of Muslims in Indonesia are Sunni. Shia Muslims are the largest minorities in the country.

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Summary of Violations Shia Muslims experienced a frightening year after their homes were burned down and the residents were displaced as a result of anti-Shia terrorist groups. The government denied the right of Shia residents by relocating them and even forcing many to change their faith in order to be able to return to their residences. Last year alone many Shia lost their homes in a violent attack to their community. Anti-Shia extremists attacked and burned down homes of the Shia residents. Some were killed and many injured as a result. The Indonesian government has continuously failed to protect Shia Muslims and to hold the perpetrators responsible for their actions.

Violations • Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life

On August 26th, 2012, an attack on Shia in Sampang in East Java left two men dead and dozens of houses destroyed. 2,000 police were sent to guard the area after 500 villagers carrying machetes, believed to be Sunni extremists, attacked the town and caused massive damage. At around 11 am, the group attacked villagers returning from Ramadan holiday, throwing stones and gas bombs, and stabbing young Shia Muslims with their weapons. Two people, a fifty-year- old man named Hamama and another man named Tohir, were killed in this attack, and many others sustained injuries. As many as 40 Shia homes were destroyed. Although President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared that justice would be brought to the culprits, no actions were taken. Moreover, the only suspect arrested for these attacks has been set free. The government simply avoided the violence and relocated Shia to a sport facility. More recently, Shia refugees, who are currently taking shelter at a sports center after the destruction of their homes, were forced to sign statements saying that they were willing to convert to the Sunni school of thought if they are wish to return to their homes. On 18 November, the local authorities cut off water supply to the complex and on 22 November they halted food supplies. The Shia refugees are forced to pay for their basic needs using their limited founds. Many children and women are in need of nutrition and healthy water that the government cut off.

• Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A) Freedom of Religion The Indonesian Attorney General's office hosts an Islamic board called Bakor Pakem, which is dedicated to investigating alleged religious offenses. According to the 2004 Public Prosecution Service Law, Bakor Pakem has the responsibility to provide “oversight in respect of religious beliefs that could endanger society and the state.” Bakor Pakem normally sits under the intelligence 18 .

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division of the public prosecution office, and works closely with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the police, the military, local governments, and religious establishments. Bakor Pakem has been extremely influential in pressing the government to ban religious groups. It would be logical to say that Bakor Pakem is where discrimination and violations to freedom of religion take place. The government’s attitudes toward Shia Muslims have influenced the public to the point that thousands of people gathered in Bangil, East Java to demand that Shia Muslim organizations be banned in Indonesia. Habib Umas Assegaf, the leader of these protesters, stated that if Shia Muslim organizations were not banned, he would bring more people out to the streets.

Conclusion The Indonesian government has failed to support Shia Muslim population in this country. The government also took no serious action to bring justice to society. After the destruction of Shia Muslims’ homes, no investigations were made and the government pressured the Shia Muslim population to convert to another faith instead of supporting and protecting them against violence and extremism.

Note : For detailed report refare to " Shia Ethnic Cleansing in Indonesia“ on shiarightwatch.org

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The Republic of Iraq

Background The Republic of Iraq, with about 33 million people, is a country in Western Asia that borders Syria to the northwest, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Jordan to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest, and Kuwait to the south. Following the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Republic of Iraq approved a new constitution in 2005. Since then, the government has struggled to maintain stability and peace, especially since U.S.-led forces left Iraq in 2009. A major issue in Iraq has been sectarian violence. Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath Party severely repressed the Shia population, which makes up about 60-65% of the population, out of fears of their influence after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The persecution of Shia Muslims throughout his regime created deep tensions in Iraqi society. Since overthrowing Saddam’s government, Shia Muslims primarily control the new administration, causing resentment among the Sunni community.

Summary of Violations The tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Iraq have resulted in severe sectarian violence. Shia communities and religious centers are often targeted by roadside bombs or suicide attacks, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Shia Muslims. The government has failed to effectively protect the Shia population and terrorist attacks are still common. Iraq is especially important to the Shia community because of its many Shia Muslim historical sites. Shrines of six Shia Imams are in Iraq, as well as the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, Samarra and Kadhimivan, all of which are pilgrimage sits for millions of Shia Muslims. These sites are often targeted by anti-Shia terrorist groups. The combination of sectarian tensions and anti-Shia terrorist groups targeting Iraq have made this country one of the deadliest for Shia Muslims, and the human rights violations are quite severe.

Violations The on-going violations have been categorized into the following sections: â&#x20AC;˘ Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life

Samarra and Kadhimiyan are among cities that have always been targets for anti- Shia extremists, and many have lost their lives going to these cities. Not long ago, anti-Shia Muslim extremists destroyed the shrine of the Shia imams in Samarra in order to stop pilgrims from visiting this city. This attack was the worst of its kind after the demolition of shrines of four Shia Muslim imams in Saudi Arabia in May by King Ibn Saud. Many Shia Muslims where attacked while gathering in Shia mosques or their Islamic centers for religious rituals. Last year alone, hundreds of Shia Muslims were killed in different types of attacks to in their communities. Muharam and Safar are two months in Islamic calendar when more than 20 Million pilgrims visit Iraq and many lost their lives coming to and leaving the country. Extremists have been actively targeting Shia Muslims and violated their rights of security and life.

Conclusion Shia Muslim rights violations are increasing in Iraq and the newly formed governments must assure security of all citizens and prevent any human rights violations. Increasing sectarian violence must be stopped and all groups should be trained to have tolerance and respect toward each other.

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The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Background

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign country in Southeast Asia. Pakistan is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman to the south, India to the east, Afghanistan to the west and north, Iran to the southwest, and China to the far northeast. Its strategic location at the intersection of Central, West, and South Asia makes Pakistan an important geopolitical and economic player in world affairs. The population of Pakistan is over 187 million, making it the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th most populous country. The Pakistani population is 97% Muslim, made up primarily of Sunni Muslims. However, 20% of the population is Shia, meaning that there are over 37,000,000 Shia Muslims living in Pakistan. The Shia community is mainly from the Twelver sect of Shia Islam and is concentrated in cities such as Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Summary of Violations Human rights conditions remain poor in Pakistan. Anti-Shia sectarian violence has increased dramatically to the point that Shia Muslims are not safe to have any movement as part of their daily lives. In fact, hundreds of Shia Muslims have lost their lives due to their faith last year alone. There are blasphemy and anti-Shia Muslim laws in Pakistan which specifically target religious minorities and have created tension among religious groups. As such, there have been more and more attacks against Shia Muslims, especially in the administrative district of Gilgit- Baltistan. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom includes Pakistan on its list of Countries of Particular Concern.

Violations The on-going violations have been categorized into the following sections:

• Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life

In 2012 alone, 34 Shia attacks occurred in Pakistan. Hundreds lost their live and many were injured. Human rights watch report as many as 400 cases of murder and other sources believe about 550 were killed. Militants regularly attack Shia religious centers and schools, as well as ambush vehicles carrying Shia Muslims. Hundreds of Shia Muslims lost their lives in suicide bombings and ambushes. The government did not take any steps to prevent or punish Shia Muslim killings last year.

• Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A) Freedom of Religion Shia-targeted killings have a long history in this country. In fact, the number of Shia Muslims killed is far great than all other faith-based deaths combined. However, the government has done little to prevent or bring justice to the cultprits of violent outbreaks. This is part of an ongoing trend in which discrimination against Shia Muslims in Pakistan is escalating quickly. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, based in Washington, DC, 50% of Sunnis in Pakistan consider Shia Muslims to be non-Muslims.

• Section 3: Discrimination A) Education Discrimination against Shia Muslims has reached the educational level as anti-Shi’ism spreads across the globe. The Karakoram International University has expelled 16 Shia Muslims students for a period of three years and dismissed one Shia Muslim student for life. The students are accused of participating in “illegal activities”, which in this case is organizing Youm-e-Hussain SPOTLIGHT, SPECIAL EDITION . 23

Shia Muslim gathering. The expulsion of the Shia Muslim Students led to a sit-in outside the Gilgit-Baltistan assembly.The rival Wahhabi sect tried to create a disturbance all day long and turned the demonstration into a violent confrontation, which resulted in the death of two people.

Conclusion In Pakistan, Shia Muslims are being discriminated against on a local and governmental level. Daily killings and attacks are not properly investigated and addressed. Laws and procedures in the government and schools make life more difficult for non-Sunni citizens. Unrestricted terrorist activity is putting a significant portion of the Pakistani population in danger.

Note : For detailed report refare to " Pakistan: Untold Storiesâ&#x20AC;? on shiarightwatch.org 24 .

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Background

Saudi Arabia is one of the most powerful monarchies in the world. This country was founded by Abdul-Aziz bin Saud and is being ruled by the Al Saud family. The largest of the Gulf nation, it is bordered by Yemen to the south, Oman to the southeast, the U.A.E., Qatar, and Bahrain to the east, and Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt to the north. The Saudi Arabian economy is dominated by its rich oil resources and its strategic position both on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf make it a powerful player in international trade. However, all natural resources rest in the hands of the government, so most of the wealth is controlled by the government. The Saudi Monarchy is very authoritarian and strictly controls many aspects of society. The population of the country is approximately 28.5 million, including 5.8 million foreigners. Islamic practices in Saudi Arabia generally are limited to those that reflect the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretation of Islam, which is the Wahhabi school of thought. The Shia Muslims are the largest minority group in Saudi Arabia, between 15 and 20 percent of the total population.

Summary of Violations

Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia are currently subject to a plethora of political, cultural, educational and economic discriminatory policies. They are severely restricted against political organizing, do not have a right to free expression, face employment discrimination in both the public and private sectors, and are restricted from equal access to the Saudi police/military or education system. Members of the Shia minority are also the objects of officially sanctioned religious discrimination. Human rights violations in this country have led to anti-dictatorship protests. The government used all its forces to disperse the protests. In most occasions, these crackdowns resulted in the arrest, torture, and murder of innocent peaceful protestors. The kingdom is an absolute monarchy giving it absolute authority over its people, resulting in numerous violations of human rights to the point of concern for many human rights organizations. Because religious activities in Saudi Arabia are limited to those that reflect the government’s Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, life has become very difficult for those who do not believe in this school of thought. Shia Muslims are the largest minority group in Saudi Arabia, between 15 and 20 present of the total population. Shia and Ismailis Muslims are considered minorities and are treated as second class citizens that do not have any legal rights. Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia are currently subject to a large range of political, cultural, educational and economic discriminatory policies. They are sharply restricted in political organization, free expression, and equal access to the Saudi police/military or education system. They face employment discrimination in both the public and private sectors.

Violations • Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life

Clashes between security forces and peaceful protesters in the Easter Province of Saudi Arabia, home to many Shia Muslims, have led to the deaths of a number of innocent people. At least 10 Shia men were killed in a pro-democracy protest that was raided by the government forces in August 2012. Besides deaths due to the government’s use of violence, a mysterious death was reported by the Saudi Health Affairs: Shia women received infected blood in a hospital where she was hospitalized for her thalassemia. The testes revealed the blood was infected with the Malaria virus. The source of Malaria virus was never found.

B) Arbitrary Arrest or Detention Alongside random protestors, famous Shia scholars and clerics have been arrested a number of times because of their Shia faith practice in their Shia Muslim community. Sheikh Tawfiq Jaber Ibrahim al-Amer and Nimr a-l Nimr are among two wellknown figures that continuously face arbitrary arrest.

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C) Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane Treatment or Punishment

Many human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have reported maltreatment in prisons of Saudi Arabia. Prisoners are exposed to a variety of torture and punishment methods. In some case the prisoners did not have access to proper medical equipment or fair trials.

• Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A)Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association:

Since Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, the king has all the power to make decisions. Un-welcomed citizens such as Shia Muslims have no right to participate in any of the government’s decisions. They cannot participate in any assembly or express their needs. Shia, who have always been suppressed by the government, are not allowed to express their dissatisfactions. If they do, they face detentions and unemployment. During the past year many dissatisfied citizens protested for reform, many of them were detained or killed. Shaikh Nimr al-Nimr is a well-known Shia cleric who has been repeatedly arrested. Many children and minors were also subject to arrest during the past year. In some cases, children were kidnapped and their families were threatened so that they would not participate in peaceful protests.

B) Freedom of Religion

Religious freedom is virtually non-existent in Saudi Arabia. The Government does not provide legal recognition or protection for freedom of religion. In Saudi Arabia, no religion is completely free to practice their faith except for pro-government Wahhabi. Shia Muslims that practice their faith in their private properties and homes are subject to arrest. In some cases Shia clerics were forced to sign written pledges, which stated “not to stir up sectarianism or rallies,” aimed towards the ban on conducting congregation prayers at Shia chapels and homes. It is reported that four Shia citizens were sentenced to a full month in prison, under the pretext of opening their own homes as Islamic centres for their community. Religious restriction under Saudi government goes as far as prohibiting the entrance of non- Wahhabi symbols and artifacts into Saudi Arabia. Shia Muslims are among those who cannot bring their symbols into the country. Shia Muslim prayer books, prayer stones, and any other objects that represent Shia Muslim belief are prohibited. Demolishing and destroying Shia Islamic centres, cemeteries and mosques are also among the actions that Saudi government has taken to suppress Shia faith.

• Section 3: Discriminations A)Threat and Discriminations Toward Shia Muslim Wahhabi scholars have repeatedly issued fatwa (Islamic law issued by scholars) against Shia. Saudi scholars who are paid and supported by the official Government Issue fatwa stating it is accepted to kill Shia Muslims based on their faith and beliefs. SPOTLIGHT, SPECIAL EDITION . 27

B)Education and Employment Education is particularly limited to Wahhabi curriculums. There is no tolerance towards any other belief system besides the Wahhabi. Shia Muslims are not allowed to have private schools where they would be able to teach the Shia faith to their children. Shia children are suppressed in schools and are told to refrain from informing others about their faith. Shia students usually are not able to reach higher education. Shia Muslims are also underrepresented in the Saudi Arabian education system. Employment is also very restricted for Shia Muslims. No Shia Muslim can hold high official government jobs such as those in the military nor can they work in the oil and petrochemical industries. Job opportunities and education limitations have resulted in poverty and low quality of life for many Shia Muslims in this country.

Conclusion Saudi Arabia, one of the wealthiest countries of the world, is also one of the countries with the most human right violations. Violations to the right to life, right to expression, right to freedom of religion, right to assembly and many other violations against Shia Muslims have turned this country to one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most restrictive societies.

Note : For detailed report refare to " Saudi Shia Muslim Victims of Sectarian Isolationismâ&#x20AC;? on shiarightwatch.org 28 .

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The Syrian Arab Republic Background

The Syrian Arab Republic is a country in Western Asia with a population of about 21 million people, bordered by Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest. This country is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Turks, Christians, Druze, Alawite, Shias and Sunnis Muslims. The population of Syria, as of July 2013, is about 22,457,000. Sunni Muslims account for about 74% of the population, while Shias make up around 13-15%. However, there are also nearly 2 million Iraqi Shia refugees and many other Afghan Shia refugees currently living in Syria, making the actual population of Shia Muslims in Syria much higher. Shia Muslims are concentrated in various neighborhoods of the capital as well as a number of towns and villages in the provinces of Hims and Hama, Nubbal, al-Zahra, Zarzor and Aleppo.

Summary of Violations Since March 2011, Syria has been involved in civil war in the wake of uprisings against Assad, the current Syrian President. Although the civil war began as a political movement in opposition to al-Assad’s government, this conflict has increasingly been transformed into a sectarian issue. Extremist groups falsely identify the Shia faith with al-Assad’s regime, Hezbollah, and the Iranian government, effectively grouping all Shia Muslims with these political groups. Consequently, there have been many cases of sectarian killings, sexual abuse, disappearances, torture, and destruction of historical and religious sites. The Shia community has been the primary target of such atrocities. In fact, according to Syrian Human Rights, a NGO based in London, as many as 95,000 Alawi have been killed so far. The human rights violations taking place in Syria remain among the worst in the world. Anti-Shia Muslim extremists and Wahhabi- backed groups have taken advantage of the conflict in Syria to kidnap and kill many Shia Muslims.

Violations The on-going violations have been categorized into the following sections: • Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life

Since the beginning of the uprising in Syria, Shia Muslims have been continuously targeted by Anti-Shia extremist groups. Shia homes are often marked and the households are then savagely tortured and slaughtered at night. Cities with large Shia populations, such as Bible, Al-Zahra, Foua, Kafarya, Sayeda Zaynab, Homs and Zarzour are at risk, and citizens are forced to hide themselves or flee. Hostile rhetoric and anti-Shia sentiments have resulted in the deaths of many Shia Muslims in Syria. For example, after members of the Free Syrian Army and other armed groups publicized their anti-Shia positions, dozens of Shia were killed, including 23 Iraqis as well as several prominent religious scholars like the Syrian born Afghan Sayed Naser Alavi. Moreover, an attack near the Shrine of Sayedah Zainab on October 31, 2012 resulted in the deaths of more than seven Shia Muslims, including women and children. Unfortunately, anti-Shia terrorists have continued to threaten Shia Muslims, and the death toll continues to rise.

B) Sexual Abuse In October 2012 daughter of a well-known Shia family was kidnaped in the town of Maliha, around Damascus. An anti-Shia terrorist raped her, cut all her hair off and left her on the side of the street naked.

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C) Disappearances There are many cases in which Shia Muslims have been kidnapped throughout Syria. In Az- Zahra, around 120 Shia were kidnapped by extremist groups who then offered to trade the hostages for ammunition. In another case, 48 Shia pilgrims were kidnapped on August 4 th, 2012. There have also been reports of anti-Shia groups posing as human rights activists to obtain information about the Shia populations. Shortly after interviewing members of the Shia community, they would disappear. This has made it extremely difficult for legitimate organizations to conduct in-field interviews.

D) Right to Security Shia Muslims in villages such as Nebbol and Az-Zahra are abandoned without food and water for the last four months and the siege is still continuing. Anyone who tries to slip out of the villages is risking their life and could be gunned down by Wahabbi rebel snipers.

â&#x20AC;˘ Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A) Freedom of Religion Several internationally important Shia Muslim shrines serve as anchors for the Shia population in Syria and attract visitors from abroad. Most Iraqi Shia Muslims in Syria reside in the Sayyida Zaynab region to the south of the Damascus, an area that has grown up around one of the main shrines in the Shia faith. The shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is the second most frequently visited Shia Muslim shrine in Syria. Due to its central location inside the capital, it draws large crowds for the daily public prayers and the weekly Friday prayer. The third Shia Muslim Shrine in located in Daraya and belongs to Sayyida Sukayna the daughter of first Shia Imam. Aleppo also holds a Shia shrine. The main Shia center in Aleppo is the al-Nuqta Mosque near Jabal al-Hawshan and two Shia villages, Nubbal and al-Zahra. All Shrines have been threatened to be demolished by anti-Shia Muslim groups and extremists repeatedly attacked the shrines with a number of explosions that take place close to the Shia Muslim holy places. In 2012, suicide bombers blew up explosive laden cars near the shrine, killing innocent people and damaging the shrine itself. Threats of genocide also have come from outside Syria by people who fund the Free Syrian Army. For example, a former member of the Kuwaiti Parliament, Osama Al Munawer (a Salafi extremist) vowed to destroy the shrine of Seyedah Zainab in a statement he made on his twitter account on July 18, 2012. In December 2012, a Shia Muslim Mosque was burned down in Zarzor village of Syria. The attackers videotaped the destruction and proudly posted it on the YouTube. In January 2013, the shrine of Sayyida Sukayna in Darayya was burned down according to local witnesses.

Conclusion Shia Muslims have been suffering since the beginning of conflict in the Syria. SRW has had multiple dialogs with various groups fighting in Syria to keep Shia Muslims and other innocent citizens out of their violence, but no action has been taken. SPOTLIGHT, SPECIAL EDITION . 31

Malaysia Background

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country situated in Southeast Asia. It occupies land on the mainland bordering Thailand, as well as the northern part of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei and the South China Sea. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when former British colonies came together and established a federation. The government was set up as a constitutional monarchy, led today by King Tuanku Abdul Halim Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adzam Shah and Prime Minister Mohamed Najib bin Abdul Najib Razak. Malaysia is an ethnically and religiously diverse society, which has led to tensions between various groups. Of the over 29,628,000 people living in Malaysia, roughly 60% are Muslim with significant Buddhist, Christian and Hindu populations. The Muslim population is predominantly Sunni, however, with roughly 280,000 Shia Muslims currently living in Malaysia.

Summary of Violations Although religious freedom is officially guaranteed under the Malaysia constitution, the meaning of this freedom is disputed by various political parties. Consequently, religious freedom is a highly contentious political issue that is openly debated by politicians, human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, and other sectors of civil society. Currently, the Malaysia government circumvents the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion by declaring Shia Islam a deviant religion that threatens national security and divides Muslim society. Because of this, the government has continued to oppress the Shia population in Malaysia.

Violations • Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: A) Arbitrary Arrest or Detention

One of the largest mass arrests on religious grounds in recent Malaysian history took place in December 16, 2010. As Shia Muslims were observing Ashura, the Shia holy day commemorating the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, at the Ali al-Ridha Islamic Center in Seri Gombak, Selangor Islamic Religious Department officers (JAIS) burst in and detained between 128 and 200 Shia. This sweep against the Shia was reportedly the strongest Malaysian government action taken against any group since the sect was banned in 1996. A second case of mass arrests on religious grounds in recent Malaysian history occurred on the birthday anniversary of the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad, Lady Fatimah. In May 2011, Religious Department officers, accompanied by at least 20 security forces, attacked a gathering of Shia Muslims and detained at least four in the latest discriminatory action against the religious in Malaysia. Prominent Malaysian Shia leader Kamil Zuhairi Abdul Aziz and three other followers were arrested by Malaysian security forces. Several Shia Muslims were arrested following the attacks on the Shia ceremonies. In some cases detainees were fined as well. Their arrests were not legal and the government has not, but must give a clear explanation for its actions toward Shia Muslims.

• Section2. Respect for Civil Liberties, including: A) Freedom of Religion Although the dominant religion in Malaysia is Islam, the country is multicultural. All the world's major religions have substantial representation in Malaysia. While religious freedom is officially guaranteed under the Malaysian constitution, this has been interpreted in different ways. The government selectively enforced existing legal restrictions on religious freedom. The government banned 56 of what it considered "deviant" interpretations of Islam, maintaining that deviant views

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endangered national security and could divide the Muslim community. Banned groups include Ahmadiyah, Islamailiah, Shia Islam, and Bahai, among others. Shi’ism is either considered a non-Islamic deviation from ‘true Islam’ or Shia Muslims are not allowed to freely practice their faith and religious rituals.

B) Freedom of Expression Malaysian Shia Muslims do not feel safe in their country. They have repeatedly confirmed that the government is watching them and they do not feel safe to express their beliefs and to practice their faith, even in the privacy of their religious centers. Some Shia citizen complained that in order to protect their children, they do not even talk about their true faith with their own family.

• Section 3: Discrimination A 1989 Islamic law and a 1996 fatwa by Malaysia’s top Islamic clerics banned Shi’ism, declaring it a deviant ideology. Increasingly influenced by Saudi Wahhabi ideology, the Malaysian government actively promotes false propaganda and hate speech against Shia Muslims. For example, in March 2011, the Malaysian government issued a statement defining Shia Muslims as a ‘deviant’ sect that “is barred from promoting their faith to other Muslims but are free to practice it themselves.” Although the officials stated that Shia can practice their faith if they do not preach it, there are incidents that government authorities burst in a private Shia gathering in Shia Islamic center and arrested participants.

Conclusion: Malaysia is a Muslim country where Shia Muslims are not free to practice their faith. Non- Muslims have not complained about any discrimination in this country; however, different sects of Islam do not feel safe. Although Malaysia only recognizes Sunni Islam as the official religion of state, Wahhabism is a growing sect in this country. It is believed that Saudi Arabia is supporting the Malaysian government in suppressing the Shia Muslim population.

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Closing

Eight countries (in only one part of the world) are the countries with the most Shia Muslim rights violation as of 2012. Historically, Saudi Arabia was the only country promoting Shia Muslim rights violations however within just a few years that number has increased to eight countries in which Shia Muslims are being kidnapped, sexually and physically abused, arrested and killed. SRW is concerned about the extreme escalation of the number and type of the violations. We hope by increasing awareness, fostering dialogue with various groups, urging the government to take action, educating the public and demanding media outlets to cover violations, we and other human rights organization can decrease the number of violations and also number of countries in which Shia Muslims are oppressed. SRW staff, volunteers and members start their days hoping and aiming to take a step forward toward spreading democracy and freedom and defending justice and rights as they are the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission.

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:Category I

:Countries with many reported Shia Muslim rights violations belong to this category. Those countries are