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.
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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