imam muhsin hendricks shot dead
A Murder That Shocks the Nation
South Africa is in shock following the assassination of Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam. A strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, he was shot dead in his vehicle over the weekend. While several LGBTQIA+ organizations suspect a hate crime, authorities have yet to determine a motive and are continuing their investigation.
Details of the Murder
According to surveillance footage, a gray pickup truck blocked Muhsin Hendricks’ path. A masked individual dressed in black then exited the vehicle and approached the imam’s window.
The Eastern Cape police confirmed that the incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, around 10:00 AM. Muhsin Hendricks, 58, was fatally shot. Two suspects are currently being sought.
A Pioneer in the Queer Muslim Community
In 1996, Muhsin Hendricks publicly came out as gay, becoming the first imam to do so. His dedication to marginalized communities made his mosque, located near Cape Town, a sanctuary for queer Muslims.
Despite potential threats, he refused to have bodyguards. “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear of dying,” he stated recently.
Read also : Ghana’s Supreme Court Approves Anti-LGBT+ Bill
Reactions and Condemnations
The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa condemned the assassination and all forms of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the organization also reiterated its disagreements with Muhsin Hendricks’ views.
A Murder Motivated by His Activism ?
According to several online testimonies, which have not been confirmed by the police, the imam was on his way to officiate a wedding between two women when he was killed. This theory further fuels concerns that his murder may have been a hate crime. Authorities continue their investigation to uncover the full truth behind the attack.
- News LGBTQ
Budapest Pride : MEPs to Join March Despite Government Ban
Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Begins New Chapter Under Australian Flag Amid Russia’s LGBT Crackdown
Vivian Jenna Wilson Speaks Out : A Bold Critique of Elon Musk in Teen Vogue
Kenya: Anti-LGBT+ Law Could Trigger Severe Economic Losses
Trump Administration Slashes 68 LGBTQ Health Grants A Major Blow to Sexual Minority Health Research
The Netherlands Warns LGBT+ Travelers About New Laws in the United States
Austria : 15 Arrests Following Anti-LGBT+ Attacks
Catalonia Mobilizes Against the Ban on LGBT Events in Hungary
Sidaction 2025 : An Urgent Call to Strengthen HIV Research
Trans Liberation Now ! – A Rally for Trans Visibility and Rights
Hungary Plans to Ban Pride : A New Offensive Against LGBT+ Rights
Tunisia : Escalating Repression Against the LGBTQ+ Community and Its Allies – A Disturbing Report
