FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world's first openly gay imam and a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims, was killed Saturday near the town of Gqeberha. According to a police statement, the 57-year-old Hendricks was inside a vehicle with another person when a car suddenly stopped in front of them, cutting off their path.
Two masked gunmen got out of the vehicle and opened fire on them before driving away. The driver of the vehicle found that Hendricks, who was sitting in the back seat, had been fatally wounded.
A police spokesman confirmed to AFP that a video circulating on social media showing the killing was authentic. Authorities are investigating the motive for the deadly attack and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) condemned the killing. “The global ILGA family is deeply shocked by the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on the authorities to fully investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” ILGA Executive Director Julia Ehr said in a statement.
This is truly heartbreaking????. Rest in peace, Muhsin Hendricks.
— Revd Mother Jide 'Emeka' Macaulay HHH ™ (@RevJide) February 15, 2025
May Allah bring justice for those responsible for your untimely passing.
I first met you in 2009 when you led a retreat and study days in Cape Town. From that moment, we forged a deep connection—one built on shared... pic.twitter.com/rfBneJrbOW
Who was Muhsin Hendricks?
Hendricks, who publicly revealed that he was gay in 1996, was a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in the Muslim community. He founded the Al-Ghurbaah Mosque in Wynberg, near Cape Town, creating a safe space for queer Muslims and marginalized women. His actions gained international attention and his life was made into a documentary titled Radical in 2022.
Despite previous threats, Hendricks remained steadfast in his beliefs. “The need to be authentic is greater than the fear of death,” he once said.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with 28,000 murders recorded between February 2023 and February 2024, according to police data.
Authorities continue to investigate Hendricks’ murder, while LGBTQ+ organizations and human rights activists around the world are demanding justice.
Lini një Përgjigje