SRW Issues Report on Crimes Against Shias Worldwide
The Washington-based Shia Rights Watch, affiliated with the World Shirazi Foundation, has released its monthly report detailing alarming human rights violations against Shia Muslims from February 1 to March 1, 2025. The report highlights terrorist attacks, forced conversions, and state repression across various regions.
Afghanistan
In Badakhshan province, Taliban authorities coerced dozens of Shia Muslims to renounce their faith, affecting men, women, and children. A bombing in Kunduz province killed over 18 individuals and injured 45 as employees gathered at a bank.
Pakistan
Over half a million Shia Muslims in Kurram Agency face ongoing sieges by Takfiri groups, with security forces failing to protect relief convoys. Schools have closed due to shortages caused by the siege. Notable attacks include a roadside bomb in Quetta that killed nine and the assassination of activist Syed Tanveer Hussain.
Bahrain
Bahraini authorities deported 700 naturalized citizens of Pakistani origin for their Shia beliefs. Additionally, Friday prayers were banned in Diraz for the entire month, restricting religious practices.
Lebanon
The Israeli army destroyed homes of Shia farmers in southern Lebanon, while airstrikes in Jarjou resulted in casualties among civilians.
Syria
Armed groups targeted the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque, disrupting worship. Reports of forced displacement and property destruction emerged from the Hama countryside, where armed factions threatened Shia residents. Notably, two individuals were tortured to death after being arrested, and several bodies of Shia victims were discovered with signs of abuse.
Saudi Arabia
Authorities are preparing to execute six young Shiites, including Abdullah al-Dirazi and Yousef Muhammad Mahdi al-Manasif, amid ongoing human rights abuses. Recently, Ali Salman Al-Leif, a prisoner of conscience from Qatif, was executed.
Iraq
In Samarra, a roadside bombing claimed the life of a security guard, while seven children were injured by unexploded ordnance in Al-Qurna.
