Iran slams Nigeria over deadly clampdown on Shi’ites

Speaking on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi expressed grave concerns about Monday’s deadly clashes between Nigerian forces and supporters of Zakzaky in the capital, Abuja, renewing its call for the cleric’s release and his “immediate” access to medical services, Press TV reported.

He also censured the use of force during the demonstration, which left 11 people dead.

A spokesman for Islamic Movement in Nigeria said 11 people were killed and at least 30 others injured. Ibrahim Musa said the police attacked a peaceful march in Abuja, where they were marching to demand the release of their leader, according to Reuters.

Mousavi further referred to the deteriorating health condition of Sheikh Zakzaky, who has been imprisoned since 2015, and a medical report saying that the clergyman and his wife are in urgent need of medical care abroad.

“The Nigerian officials are expected to transfer Zakzaky out of the detention center as soon as possible and take action for his access to decent and immediate medical services,” he said.

The Iranian spokesman also underlined the importance of preserving security and stability in Nigeria and resolving problems through dialogue in the African country.

Also, Iranian lawmakers in a statement on Tuesday called for the immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky, voicing concern over his health conditions.

Sheikh Zakzaky, who is in his mid-sixties, lost his left eyesight in a 2015 raid by security forces, that left more than 300 of his followers and three of his sons dead. His wife also sustained serious wounds.

He has been kept in custody along with his wife and a large number of his followers ever since.

Back in 2016, Nigeria’s federal high court ordered his unconditional release from jail following a trial, but the government has so far refused to set him free.