DAR AL ISLAM-ALGERIA: SHI'IAH PROSELYTIZING IN ALGERIA

Shia groups proselytize in western Algeria

Security services have opened inquiry into Shia groups’ activity in the area to spread Shia beliefs and thoughts as well as propaganda for Islamic Republic of Iran, well-informed sources in Mascara (west) have said. Investigations led by security services have started last week following information on two groups, activating in two different places in Mascara. Both groups are working to convert young men, university students mainly, into Shia creed and specifically Twelver or duodeciman Shiism prevailing in Iran and Iraq, the same sources said.

According to first investigations, some individuals, converted into Shiism since several years, including a Public Works Direction’s executive another working in Social Insurance Company and a young lawyer -whose brother, leaving in France now, is one of the first converted into Shiism in Mascara-, are holding debate meetings into houses and public places to spread Shia beliefs and thoughts. Those converted have taken advantage of the feedback of Iranian President Amadinejad’s statements against the US -stressing Iran will go on nuclear program- among the population, in addition to the good reputation, among the Algerians, of Lebanese Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah following Israeli war on Lebanon, last summer.

Shia proselytizers in Mascara administrative centre have created a local association, months ago, holding many cultural meetings at National Liberation Army Veterans Association’s building. The second group, activating in the neighbouring district of Mamounia, is framed by four people, including a merchant, professor, an instructor and a Private Company’s employee. They have been proselytizing among young men through casting doubts on some historical facts relating to the Prophet (PBUH). Concerning the prophets’ companions and first three Caliphs, disdained by Shiite, mainly. The group was staging discuss meetings and distributing Shia books.

Mascara Religious Affairs Direction’s executives we contacted on the matter told us they knew about it and condemned it, as proselytizing to a certain Muslim creed among a different Muslim community is forbidden.


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