Government Rally in Iran to Condemn the 'Massacre' of Shia in Nigeria

Thousands of people in various cities across Iran condemned what they described as the massacre of Shia Muslims in Nigeria and the arrest of their leader by the country's army, following a government-sponsored Friday prayer ceremony. Nigerian Shia claim that during an army attack on December 13, hundreds of Shia were killed, and Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, was also arrested after being shot four times. Human rights groups say the number of victims from this massacre could be around a thousand. Reports from Iranian news agencies indicate that Iranian protesters in Tehran shouted 'We are all Zakzaky' and carried placards demanding his 'unconditional release.' IRNA reported that in the Qom rally, in addition to ordinary citizens, 'students and scholars from both Iranian and foreign seminaries, as well as African residents of Qom' participated. In Tabriz, worshippers shouted that 'the Nigerian army is killing Shia' and 'Zakzaky the Mujahid must be freed.' The Islamic Republic of Iran, considered the main protector of Shia interests, condemned the massacre. Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the Nigerian chargé d'affaires in Tehran on Monday to express its protest against the massacre in 'Zaria,' located in northern Nigeria. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, also expressed regret over the incidents concerning Shia in a phone call with his Nigerian counterpart, emphasizing the need for the Nigerian government to take serious action to avoid violence and restore calm. The Zaria incident occurred after a number of Ibrahim Zakzaky's supporters attempted to block the passage of General Tukur Buratai, the commander of the Nigerian armed forces, by burning tires and throwing stones at his vehicle. A spokesperson for the Nigerian armed forces described this attempt as 'a deliberate act of assassination' against the commander. Mr. Zakzaky began his advocacy activities in the late 1970s, coinciding with the Iranian Revolution, and is known for being influenced by Iran. Human rights groups and the U.S. government have called for investigations into this massacre. Iranian state media have extensively covered the incident, describing it as a 'horrific crime' and 'slaughter.' Ahmad Khatami, the Friday prayer leader of Tehran, stated that this massacre would strengthen the group known as the Islamic Caliphate and its supporters worldwide. Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, called Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday to protest the massacre and urged the Nigerian government to compensate the families of the victims. In response to the Zaria events, Iran summoned the Nigerian chargé d'affaires.