Shia Muslims still fear crackdown after Ashura detentions

Dozens of Shia Muslims have been rounded up recently in the Sunni Muslim-majority country of Malaysia, including several foreigners, fuelling fears that religious authorities are stepping up a

Dozens of Shia Muslims have been rounded up recently in the Sunni Muslim-majority country of Malaysia, including several foreigners, fuelling fears that religious authorities are stepping up a crackdown on adherents of the minority sect.

Around the world, Shia Muslims – who are far outnumbered by Sunnis, and follow some different doctrines and rituals – say they face discrimination from authorities and others who accuse them of being deviants.

About 60% of Malaysia’s 32 million people are Muslim and the country is also home to substantial minorities of Hindus and Christians, and the different communities have largely co-existed harmoniously.

Critics however say that a traditionally moderate brand of Islam is being eroded as vocal conservatives gain ground, and the small Shia community – whose teachings have been banned in Malaysia for over two decades – complain of ever greater pressure.

In September religious enforcement officers and police raided a series of clandestine gatherings by Shia Muslims commemorating Ashura, which marks the seventh-century killing of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson.

 “It sparked fear among the worshippers, the women and children began crying,” he told AFP.

Anti-Shia attacks are on the rise in the country.