Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain's Jaffarian Endowments (Waqf) administration expressed disapproval on Tuesday (October 20, 2015) of the actions of security authorities in Bahrain over the past few days, as security forces took down in a number of villages and towns across the country black Ashura banners. It stressed that "hanging black banners is a way to express grief over the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (pbuh) and it is a known custom practiced in Bahrain since long ago."

In its statement the Jaffaria Endowments administration added that: "The Bahraini people are used to practicing their religious rituals freely which is guaranteed by the constitution, the National Action Charter and the kingdom's established norms, including the act of hanging up black banners temporarily during the months of Muharram and Safar, which is an expression of grief and sorrow over the calamity of the Prophet's grandson, family and companions. It is also a tradition practiced in the country for centuries and has nothing to do with current politics and doesn't insult any faction or sect."

It further stated that it is following up the issue "closely and seeks to cooperate with all official and civil competent parties to prevent what happened today and the past days," hoping that the Interior Ministry "will have highest levels of cooperation and contain the situation."

Arabic Issue