RNA – In an exclusive interview with Rasa News Agency, Ayatollah Abbas Ka’bi, the representative of the people of Khuzestan province in the Assembly of Experts, referred to the martyrdom of a number of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) who were killed on July 23rd by the Nigerian police in the capital Abuja, saying, “This march was held in support of Shaykh Ibrahim Zakzaky, and we are worried about the detention and grave physical condition of this great scholar.”
Shaykh Zakzaky, the leader of the IMN, has been in detention since December 2015 when his residence in the city of Zaria was raided by Nigerian forces, during which he was beaten and lost his left eye.
Earlier this month, his son, Muhammad, said after visiting him that he was shocked by his father’s worsening medical condition. Muhammad said that large and dangerous quantities of lead and cadmium had been found in Shaykh Zakzaky’s blood and the cleric needed to be immediately hospitalized.
Ayatollah Ka’bi said that the Islamic seminaries, the clergy, the sources of emulation, the teachers in the seminaries, the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom and all segments of the seminaries, along with the Iranian people as well as the freedom-seeking people of the world, are all concerned about the health of Shaykh Zakzaky and added, “This situation facing Shaykh Zakzaky is an opportunity for unity, national security and peace and solidarity in Nigeria and the Nigerian government is losing such an opportunity in terms of stability and security.”
The member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom said, “We advise the government of Nigeria to respond positively to the rights of the people of Nigeria, based on the principles of human rights, by paying attention to national interests and the health condition of Shaykh Zakzaky and release him so that he can be treated.”
His Eminence continued, “The movement which has been advanced by Shaykh Zakzaky is rational and is based on wisdom which is in the framework of the laws and regulations of Nigeria. Therefore, the Nigerian government must provide such an opportunity for national reconciliation and understanding of the special conditions of the Shi’ahs of this country.”
Ayatollah Ka’bi said that the Nigerian government must respond positively to the rights of the Shi’ah citizens of this country and end the state of concern among the Islamic ummah.
Rasa News Agency
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