Two female employees of the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon killed in stabbing attack
Two female employees of Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre were fatally stabbed in a horrific attack carried out by a man armed with a knife on Tuesday. The incident happened around noon at the centre, which serves as the headquarters for the global Ismaili Muslim community. Officials said the attacker was shot by police and has been taken into custody.
Portuguese authorities suspect terrorist attack, but motive still not confirmed
Portuguese authorities have said that they are investigating the stabbing attack as a potential terrorist incident. However, the motive behind the attack is still not clear. The Ismaili Centre was opened by Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1998 and serves as a focal point for Portugal’s estimated 7,000-strong Ismaili community.
Suspect reported to be Afghan refugee and father of three
The suspect in the deadly stabbing at Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre has been identified as an Afghan refugee who arrived in Portugal through a European Union program that transfers asylum-seekers to member countries. Although the man’s identity has not been independently confirmed, officials have revealed that he is a father of three who had integrated into Western life since arriving in Portugal.
Interior minister believes attack is an isolated incident
Portuguese Interior Minister Jose Luis Carneiro has said that he believes the attack was an isolated incident and not part of a wider extremist plot. He told reporters that investigators are still trying to establish what motivated the attacker to carry out this heinous act.
Prime Minister expresses condolences and solidarity with victims’ families
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of victims and the Ismaili community following Tuesday’s deadly stabbing. In a statement, he said that the attack has no place in Portugal and pledged that authorities would do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice.
Ismaili Centre is a hub for community activities
The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon serves as a hub for community activities, with exhibition spaces, classrooms, and prayer halls. The centre has been providing assistance and support to refugees and others since it opened in 1998. The Ismaili community is one of the largest in continental Europe and has played an important role in Portuguese society for many years.
Portugal considered a safe country, religious violence virtually unheard of
Portugal is generally considered a safe country with low levels of crime, and incidents of religious violence are virtually unheard of. Tuesday’s deadly stabbing at the Ismaili Centre has shocked the nation and raised concerns about the potential for extremist violence to spill over into Portugal.
In conclusion, this senseless act of violence has left the Ismaili community in mourning, and authorities are working hard to bring those responsible to justice. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, what is clear is that Portugal remains committed to upholding its values of peace and tolerance, and will not allow extremists to destabilize its society.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
