Muslim Men Attack Somali Church Leader in Ethiopia
By Joseph C. DeCaro, Worthy News International Correspondent
Washington, D.C. (Worthy News)– Two Somali Muslim men attacked a popular Somali church leader in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa Aug. 21, according to a Washington-based Christian human rights group.
Mohamed Ali Garas, a convert from Islam, was hit on the head with a wooden club and then knocked to the ground where he was kicked in the chest and stomach, according to International Christian Concern (ICC). The Muslims fled after a neighbor appeared on the scene.
Local police are investigating the attack.
According to ICC, Garas is currently being treated at Meghbar Senai Hospital in the Shola neighborhood of Addis Ababa. Garas’ kneecap seems to be damaged and he will undergo more exams and x-rays to find out the extent.
Garas told ICC that the attackers purposefully hit him on his right leg, apparently knowing that he had broken his right thigh bone seven years ago in an accident. His broken bone has been healing for the last three years since he had reconstructive surgery.
Garas fled to Ethiopia from Somaliland five years ago after authorities there attempted to arrest him; he later moved to a new neighborhood in Addis Ababa about a month ago after some Somali Muslim men had threatened to physically attack him.
According to ICC, Somalia Christians living in Ethiopia, including those living the capital city, are coming under increased attack from Somali Muslims.
On July 16, five Somali Muslims beat a Somali Christian convert in Addis Ababa. Also, on September 20, 2008 Muslims beat a 35-year-old Somali Christian leader.