On Monday evening, two women were brutally stabbed to death at an Ismaili Muslim community centre in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. The attack, which has been condemned by Portugal’s Prime Minister, has sent shockwaves across the country and left the Muslim community in mourning. The incident has also raised questions about rising hate crimes against Muslims, particularly in Europe, and the need for stronger measures to combat this trend. In this article, we discuss the details of the attack, the responses it has garnered, and the broader implications of this heinous crime.
On Tuesday 28th March 2023, two Portuguese women were stabbed to death at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon by a man reportedly of Afghan origin, who was armed with a large knife. The suspect was shot at the scene and was later arrested and taken to a hospital in the Portuguese capital under police custody.
The Ismaili community leader Narzim Ahmad confirmed that the victims were staff members at the Ismaili centre. Several other individuals were also wounded during the attack, which took place shortly before 11am.
Police ordered the suspect to surrender, but he refused and continued to advance towards them, leading to him being neutralised. Prime Minister Antonio Costa described the incident as an “isolated incident,” and the police are now investigating the attack since it was too soon to determine a motive.
Ismailism is a branch of Shia Islam, and the Ismailis are a living example of a culturally diverse community that exists in over 25 countries worldwide. The opening of the Ismaili Muslim Centre in Lisbon took place in 1998 and was officially opened by Prince Karim Aga Khan, who some followers recognise as their spiritual leader.
The incident that occurred in Lisbon highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking necessary precautions when visiting religious centres, especially in light of the increasing frequency of such attacks. The community leaders need to work closely with their local authorities to ensure that such incidents are avoided and that the community is safe.
In addition, it is vital that people are educated about the significance of corporate security and the critical role that security plays in safeguarding individuals and the community against any attacks. This includes measures such as increased security cameras, access control points, and on-site security personnel, which have been shown to be effective in deterring attacks.
Furthermore, security personnel should be appropriately trained to identify potential threats, and emergency response protocols should be in place in case of any incidents. Authorities should also work to identify potential threats to religious institutions and work collaboratively with the community to combat such potential threats.
The aftermath of the Lisbon attack has caused distress to the Ismaili community and highlights the need for measures to be put in place to ensure that religious institutions across the world are safe and secure.
In conclusion, the Lisbon attack reveals the importance of prioritising the safety and security of religious institutions worldwide. The community leaders and local authorities must work together in identifying potential threats and implementing appropriate measures to ensure that the community is safe. Public awareness campaigns should also be launched to help educate people about the importance of corporate security and the critical role it plays in preventing such incidents from occurring.
