government has launched a harsh crackdown against Shia Muslims
The Azeri government has launched a harsh crackdown against Shia Muslims in the country’s eastern town of Nardaran. Hundreds of Azeri forces carried out a raid on the town, harassing the population and tearing down Shia religious symbols. Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry announced that the raid was under the direct supervision of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The attack took place as Shias had gathered for a religious ceremony to mark Arbaeen. The town has been under siege and without power, water and gas since last Thursday when government troops killed four people in a raid on a Shia religious ceremony and arrested a Shia cleric.
