In the Name of Allah The Compassionate the Merciful

EFFECT OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH INCIDENTS

ON THE ISLAMIC REAWAKENING

The General Secretary of the "Free Muslim Assembly" sent a report to the Shi`a authorities in Iran and Iraq on the occasion of the inception of the Hijri year 1423. It contains the status quo of the religious activity in the West and the details of the Islamic environment before and after September 11. It also contains the emphasis of Shaikh Muhammed Taqi Baqir, who has recently settled in Washington, that: The religious activity in the Middle East is not possible now and the governments keep pursuing the theologians and the Islamic activists in the pretext of stopping the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
The report also states that the ban on religious activity in the Islamic countries and in others has minimized the Islamic reawakening in various parts of the world following the September 11th incidents, and that States in the Middle East also ban the religious activity which calls for nonviolence. We are facing many problems from Middle Eastern States as we suggest nonviolence. Moreover, there are shoddy movements aiming at distorting the reputation of Islam and Muslims waged by the enemies of Islam.
At the conclusion of the report, Shaikh Muhammed Taqi Baqir pointed out to the existence of a noticeable progress in the call for nonviolence saying, "But we notice a tangible progress in the acceptance of suggesting nonviolence in the Islamic environment in America and Europe, and that the Westerners understand the difference between nonviolent Islamic work and others. This encourages us to march forward towards introducing Islam to others using the time's language."
On the other hand, and in a warning issued by a law organization using Paris as its headquarters, the September attacks have provided a justification to many countries to silence those who defend human rights, legitimizing putting an end to all kinds of opposition through all means at their disposal. In an annual report issued by the observatory of those who defend human rights, it is stated that "Those who work in the field of defending human rights are exposed in more than 80 countries to be pursued, harassed, jailed and even executed by the authorities or by special groups," pointing out to the fact that "The reflections of the September events are to be added to such repressive strategies."
The report made it clear that "The situation of those who defend human rights is witnessing deterioration in all continents," suggesting that "The September attacks aggravated the sentiments of suspicion faced by those who defend human rights and providing justifications, direct or indirect, to terrorist movements." The observatory, which works within the framework of the human rights organizations and is headquartered in Paris and within the framework of the International Organization to Combat Torture" states that "Adopting and supporting the special legislations specifically relevant to fighting terrorism can result in jeopardizing the basic liberties of man."

Washington
The Information Office
March 12, 2002