RNA - An Iraqi Shiite leader has been shot in front of his children while leaving a prayer session at Nabi al-Akram mosque in Sydney.
According to Rasa News Agency, he was shot in the face and shoulder by a man as he was locking up the Islamic center around 1:15 am on Monday. The man claims to support Islamic State terrorists.
“My dad just held his neck and ran inside” says the victim’s daughter who was present at the time of the attack “and I saw blood running down his head and neck.”
Members of the mosque performed first aid before the Shiite leader was taken to hospital.
The mosque has been the target of repeated threats and intimidations in recent weeks.
The eyewitness News says the members of the mosque reported the initial threats but the Police didn’t take them seriously. But the response changed once the Shiite leader shot.
The community is on edge fearing further attacks in the coming weeks of Muharram mourning processions.
R111/108/A/