Afghanistan: A subdued Ashura under Taliban rule

Some worshippers wary of Taliban reprisal, despite assurances from the group that Shia minority would not be harmed.

Kabul, Afghanistan – For the last 20 years, the Kartei Sakhi shrine in west Kabul has been one of the main gathering places for the annual Ashura commemorations in the city. Every year, thousands of men, women and children in black robes and green headbands would come to this shrine to honour what they consider the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This year, Ashura falls on the fifth day of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the hilltop the blue-domed shrine sits on is barren.