The causes of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, an imam who managed a mosque that was a refuge for LGBTQI+ people, are being investigated
The religious leader Muhsin Hendricks, considered the first openly gay imam of the world, was shot dead in the south of South Africa, the country's police reported. Hendricks, who managed a mosque in Cape (southwest) considered a refuge for the community LGBTIQ +, was murdered this Saturday in the province of Eastern Cape.
El magnet and a conductor They were traveling in a vehicle in the town of Bethelsdorpnear the city of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, when another car «He stopped in front of them and prevented them from leaving.", the police explained in a statement.
«Two unknown individuals with their faces covered got out of the vehicle and began firing multiple shots at the vehicle. They then fled the scene and the driver realized that Hendricks, who was sitting in the back of the vehicle, had been shot and killed."the note said.
hate crime
«The motive for the murder is unknown and is part of an ongoing investigation. Police have asked the community for information that could help trace the murder.", added the police. According to local media, the imam had traveled to the area to marry a lesbian couple.
In a statement sent to EFE, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) reported the murder and declared himself "deeply shocked«. Authorities must investigate «in depth what we fear may be a hate crime"the executive director of the organization demanded, Julia Ehrt.
Hendricks He became the world's first imam to come out as gay in 1996 and was "a long-time activist who has worked with interfaith communities around the world and conducted independent research on Islam and sexual diversity«Recalled the ILGA.
