“We do not and will never accept any restrictions on mourning Imam Hussain (PBUH),” Jafari declared. “This is a sacred right rooted in our religious identity and protected by the law.”
The senator denounced what he called an annual pattern of state-imposed restrictions during the holy month of Muharram, accusing certain institutions of deliberately creating tension and insecurity around peaceful religious observances.
Jafari specifically criticized:
- Bans on pedestrian participation in mourning processions, calling them an attack on a centuries-old tradition.
- Police raids on processions, especially those led by women.
- The arrest of procession organizers.
- Restrictions on sound systems, and the banning of prominent preachers from entering certain cities.
“Labeling on-foot mourning processions as ‘innovations’ is a blatant distortion of Shi’a religious practices. No institution or individual has the authority to undermine people’s faith in such a way,” he stated.
The senator also expressed deep concern over:
- The ban on the Youm al-Hussain ceremony at Gilgit University;
- Restrictions on prayer stations in Karachi;
- And broader efforts to marginalize Ashura culture in public life.
“Preventing scholars from speaking, closing religious centers, and disrupting traditional mourning practices amount to nothing less than an attack on the soul of our religious freedom,” Jafari said.
He concluded by emphasizing the enduring power of the Karbala movement as a source of resistance and victory, citing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defiance of global powers as an example of what can be achieved when a nation is inspired by the values of Ashura.
