Iranian Envoy Nigeria: Detention of Sheikh Zakzaky Illegal, Unfair
27th Jan. 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Ambassador to Nigeria Saeed Kouzechi urged Abuja to release Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, terming his detention as illegal and unfair.
Iran says Sheikh Zakzaky's detention is not in consonance with the Nigerian constitution, noting that his release would heal the wounds and damage inflicted on his followers, according to the Nigerian daily Punch.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Kouzechi said the Nigerian government should compensate for the damage on those who suffered losses during the bloody clash between the Shiite movement followers and the Army in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He described the Islamic Movement of Nigeria as a peaceful religious group that has no connection to extremism, while calling for a probe into the incident as well as fair prosecution of those involved.
“The Shiite is a small minority group in Nigeria. They engage in peaceful religious activities and they are not harmful to anyone. We have never heard of unrest and extremism from the Shiite followers in Nigeria," Kouzechi said.
“The Zaria incident is unfortunate and regrettable. We hope the investigation and prosecution will be fair and transparent. We hope the government will assist those who suffered financial losses in the incident," he added.
“We don’t believe the continued detention of Zakzaky is legal or fair, he shouldn’t be kept for long. We look forward to seeing his release and his wife soon. The Shiites are Nigerians too and they have rights like other citizens. The government shouldnt not pour fuel on fire. Recognizing the rights of minorities is kewy to social development,” Kouzechi said.
In relevant remarks earlier this month, Badia Ibraheem Zakzaky, daughter of Sheikh Zakzaky, expressed deep concern about her parents' fate after they were wounded and detained by the army last December.
"I don’t have any news on the fate and health conditions of my parents after the Zaria disaster," Badia said, adding that the fate of nearly 800 people of the Zaria region who were killed or arrested by the army forces is still unknown.
The army attacked two religious centers of the country's Shiite community on December 12, killing hundreds of defenseless civilians. Later on December 13, the military arrested Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife after raiding thier house and killing three of his sons, assistants and followers.
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have demanded setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the killings of their colleagues in Zaria on December 12 and 13, during a meeting with House of Representatives panel.
Thye have also demanded the unconditional release of their leader Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife.
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