Gaza Shiites Claim Hamas Persecution

Last updated on: January 17, 2012 at 10:05 am by

Gaza Shiites Claim Hamas Persecution 2012-01-17T10:05:31-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A member of Gaza’s tiny Shiite minority says followers were beaten by Hamas police during a religious ceremony last week.

The man said police burst into a house of a fellow Shiite during a gathering to commemorate the suffering of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussein. The man says about 15 worshippers were beaten and briefly detained. He declined to be identified fearing further harassment.

Interior Ministry spokesman Ihab Ghussein said Tuesday that the men were planning “criminal acts.”

It’s the first time Gaza’s Shiite community, believed to number several dozen, has claimed harassment by the territory’s Sunni Muslim rulers.

Despite theological differences, Hamas has traditionally had warm ties with Shiite Iran.

Previous Post

January 17, 2012

Maldives Military Arrests Top Judge, Spark Protest

Next Post

January 17, 2012 Indian Fest Hopes Rushdie Attends, Despite Protest

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category

Select a Month April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the portable place of worship called that God commanded Israel to build?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The Ark The Temple The Synagogue The Tabernacle