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.
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.
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