Historical Events tagged with "religious violence"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Suicide Attack on Shia Mosque in Afghanistan

August 3rd, 2018 6 years ago

Two men in burkas launched a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 29 individuals and injuring over 80. The assault occurred during a Friday prayer service, highlighting the sectarian violence that has plagued the region. Many victims were unarmed worshippers, indicating the attack's indiscriminate nature. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the Shia community in Afghanistan amid rising extremist threats.

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Crime & Law

Graham Staines and Sons Killed in India

January 22nd, 1999 26 years ago

Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, Philip and Timothy, were attacked and killed by a mob of radical Hindus while they were sleeping in their car in the eastern state of Odisha, India. The family had been working in the area as part of a Christian missionary team, providing care and support to the local community. On that fateful night, the assailants set the vehicle ablaze, resulting in their deaths and shocking the world. The incident highlighted tensions surrounding religious practices in the region.

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Crime & Law

Terrorist Attack on Neve Shalom Synagogue

September 6th, 1986 38 years ago

Two terrorists from Abu Nidal's organization launched an attack inside the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, killing 22 people and injuring six congregants. The attack occurred during Shabbat services, a significant time for Jewish worship, marking a sharp escalation in violence against Jewish communities worldwide. The assailants were heavily armed and targeted a place of worship, demonstrating the intent to instill fear and cause chaos.

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Politics & Government

Anti-Sikh Riots Following Indira Gandhi's Assassination

November 1st, 1984 40 years ago

Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh bodyguards, widespread anti-Sikh riots broke out across India. The unrest was fueled by anger and resentment towards the Sikh community, leading to violent clashes and significant loss of life. Thousands of Sikhs were targeted, their homes and businesses attacked, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that raised questions about law enforcement and governmental responsibilities.

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Religion & Philosophy

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Huguenots

August 23rd, 1572 452 years ago

In Paris, thousands of Huguenots faced mob violence during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. Conflict between Catholics and Protestants dramatically escalated, marked by a coordinated attack led by mobs and supported by French authorities targeting the Protestant population gathered for a wedding. This violent outburst resulted in significant casualties, deepening the rift between the two religious groups in France.

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Crime & Law

Massacre of suspected Jews in Lisbon

April 21st, 1506 518 years ago

In April 1506, over 1,900 suspected Jews were killed in Lisbon by a mob of Portuguese Catholics. This three-day massacre erupted amid a backdrop of escalating tensions and religious fervor following the forced conversions of Jews to Christianity in Portugal. The violence began with a rumor about a miraculous incident in a local church, leading to widespread hysteria and an outpouring of revenge against the Jewish population. The authorities struggled to intervene as the mob rampaged through the city, resulting in staggering loss of life and property.

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Religion & Philosophy

Massacre of Jews in Worms, Germany

May 18th, 1096 928 years ago

Around 800 Jews were killed in Worms, Germany, by Crusaders who were incited by anti-Jewish sentiment during the First Crusade. This event occurred as the Crusaders, en route to the Holy Land, sought funding and support from local communities. The local Jewish population was viewed as an enemy, leading to violence and persecution.

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