Shiites protest against Israel’s occupation of Palestine, demand release of El-Zakzaky

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), will today, join millions of adherents globally to protest against Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine and demand the unconditional release of its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has been in custody for 588 days.

The Shiites are making their stance known on the occasion of Quds celebration.In a statement yesterday in Kaduna by its spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Musa, the group said: “IMN, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has been in the forefront of observing the Quds Day which is well attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike on the last Friday of Ramadan for several decades now.”

Musa continued: “This year’s event is set to hold tomorrow, Friday 28 Ramadan, 1438 equivalent of June 23, 2017.“IMN calls on all people of conscience to join in commemorating this annual event by lending a voice to the oppressed people of Palestine, while condemning the Israeli atrocities on them. It is scheduled to take place in over 24 cities across the country, and all are invited to attend.”

The event, he explained, “is commemorated based on conscience and not only on religious consideration as victims of Zionism and illegal occupation of Palestine include Muslims and Christians alike.”

Musa argued that “pro-Palestinian protest marches such as this are organised in all parts of the world, including Europe and America, to mark the International Quds Day.

“The third holiest mosque in Islam, Masjid al Aqsa, is under the occupation of the Zionist Israeli regime following the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. The holy mosque of al-Aqsa is the place through which the holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAWA) undertook his night journey when he ascended to the heavens as mentioned in the holy Quran.”

He further said: “The illegal state of Israel had unleashed terror on the innocent but strong-hearted people of Palestine for the past 60 years, killing unarmed men, women and children, demolishing their houses and placing thousands in illegal detention and torture.”