The Islamic Information Center is alarmed by reports from the Islamic Holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, of attacks by Police agencies on Shi'ite pilgrims resulting in four deaths.  Recently, a group of Shi'ite women were gathered outside the gates of Baqi Cemetery, which houses the Prophet's family and companions, on a pilgrimage commemorating the anniversary of the Prophet's death. According to Saudi law, which is not based upon authentic Islamic teachings, women are not allowed to visit gravesides.

The Islamic Information Center condemns the killing of Aasiya Hassan last week. Ms. Hassan was killed by her husband, Muzzammil Hassan, the founder of a television network in New York called Bridges TV. Bridges TV was established to counter Muslim stereotypes, and this tragedy severely contradicts both the message of the network and the mission of Islam.  Islam is a peace-loving religion that explicitly forbids the harming or destruction of innocent life.