Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday (February 15) morning, according to local police. - REUTERS
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00:00Mohsin Hendrix, said to be the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa
00:06on Saturday, according to local police.
00:09The 57-year-old cleric gained international recognition for challenging traditional interpretations
00:15of Islam and championing an inclusive faith.
00:18He ran a mosque in Cape Town for marginalized Muslims.
00:22Authorities reported that two unidentified assailants with covered faces fired multiple
00:27shots at the vehicle Hendrix was traveling in.
00:30The attack has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ plus community and beyond, prompting
00:35calls for an investigation into the potential hate crime.
00:39Human rights activist Shoki Wafula Silas, originally from Uganda, is feeling the loss
00:44personally.
00:45He was teaching people, his teachings about faith, spiritual development of a human being,
00:50understanding your faith.
00:51That's why when you would go to the mosque, you find Christians in the mosque, find Muslims,
00:57you find people who don't belong to any community, but I was teaching them faith.
01:01Despite South Africa's progressive constitution protecting LGBTQ plus rights, the country
01:07still faces high rates of discrimination and violence against the community.