Home Exclusive US Condemns Shi’ite Muslims Killings, Calls For Investigation

US Condemns Shi’ite Muslims Killings, Calls For Investigation

by Our Reporter

The United States has denounced the killing of more than 20 members of the

Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as the Shia community by
men of the Nigerian police during a Shia Procession in Kano on November
14.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by spokesperson of the
US Embassy in Abuja, John Kirby, saying that  the use of force by the
police against the Shiites was disproportionate adding , that the Shiites
like any other religious group have the right to peaceful assembly and to
express their faith peacefully and mark their celebrations.

“We call on the Nigerian government to protect and defend these rights. It
is also incumbent on members of the IMN and all Nigerian citizens to
respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police as they attempt to
maintain public order.

“While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the
apparent disproportionate response by the police.  This is the latest in a
series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the
Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in
deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN
members,” the statement said.

“We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the
deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes
between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent
investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone
responsible for violating the law,” the statement said.

The US also called for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of
tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government
authorities, the statement added.

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