Afghanistan's Shiites Mark Ashura Amid Threats and Violence

Afghanistan's Shiite population is preparing to mark the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson with candlelight vigils and mass public flagellations, despite government warnings of possible attacks. The country's religious authorities have declared Oct. 11 Ashoura Day, the 10th day of the month of Muhharam on the Islamic calendar, to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq in 680 AD. The date, a national public holiday, is decided according to the new...

© La Voix de l'Amérique - mardi 11 octobre 2016