Controversy over removal of black flags

Security situations in some of the Kingdom’s villages have been heating up during the past few days, with clashes taking place every now and then between security forces and demonstrators.

Situations worsened as Public Security personnel removed some of the black banners hung up at the villages. The banners were posted as part of the commemorations of Muharram.

The step was apparently taken by security forces as some of the black banners were not related to the Muharram commemorations, but, consisted of sectarian and political phrases.

This was mostly noticed in villages of the Northern Governorate and the Western Area such as Aali, Salmabad and Karzakkan.

There was no comment from Interior Ministry about the incidents, while several statements were issued from the Jaffaria Waqf Directorate (JWD) of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry, parliamentarians, councilors and political societies.

Islamic Cleric and Parliamentarian Sheikh Dr. Majeed Al Asfoor stressed “the occasion of Ashoora and Muharram are to commemorate the values and sacrifices of Imam Hussain and shouldn’t be exploited to serve personal political gains or propagate sectarianism.”

“The tradition of hanging black banners with quotes from Imam Hussain has been a tradition for hundreds of years, but it has been misused lately. Utilizing such a holy occasion in politics or sectarianism is highly rejected,” said the MP.

Dr. Al Asfoor told DT News that the values of Imam Hussain aren’t dedicated to one sect or religion, as some people portrait nowadays. It’s for the whole world to benefit from.”

Religious rites freedom ensured

JWD asserted in a press statement issued yesterday that “the black banners hung during the Muharram commemorations are an old tradition to express the sadness over the death of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) Imam Hussain.”

“We are confident in the wisdom of Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, as he has constantly assured the freedom of citizens in practicing their religious rites, within the frame of the law,” the statement added.

As the disruptions occurred mostly in the Northern Governorate, DT News spoke to the Northern Municipal Council Chairman Mohammed Buhumood who confirmed that “the responsibility of banners posted on the streets is within the jurisdictions of municipalities.”

“Our role as elected councilors is to follow up with the municipality in regards to any offensive banners posted in public. Municipalities are the ones permitting ads and banners. As for security developments it comes within the authority of governorates. We don’t interfere in others jurisdictions, as we don’t accept any meddling in ours. Our duty is to provide services to citizens and residents,” Buhumood commented, adding that “posting offensive phrases in public isn’t acceptable by any party, be it official or popular.”