Security stepped up as Pakistani Shiites celebrate their holiest festival

Описание: (22 Jan 2007)
1. Armed policeman in front of Shia Muslim mosque
2. Close of gun, security behind
3. Security workers check visitors entering mosque for weapons
4. Pan from Shia religious sign to security
5. Interior of mosque
6. Prayer leader addressing congregation
7. Pan of worshippers beating their heads to mourn the death of Imam Hussein, founder of the Shia sect
8. Various worshippers grieving for Imam Hussein
9. Men beat their bare chests in memory of Imam Hussein
10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sayid Tauqir Shah, Shia worshipper:
"The death of Hussein, the martyrdom of Hussein has cleared and lit up the path of righteousness. All those who follow Hussein have remained free. All those persons who want to remain free should have followed Hussein, because that is the only righteous path."
11. Pan of men beating their chests
STORYLINE:
Security was stepped up outside Shia mosques across Pakistan on Sunday as worshippers took part in ceremonies to mark the death of Imam Hussein, who was killed in 680 A.D.
Police are increasing their security ahead of the most important date in the Shiite calendar - the feast of Ashoura - to prevent suicide bombings by Sunni extremist groups.
Ashoura falls on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and is the holiest festival for Shiites, who comprise 9 percent of Pakistan's 169 (m) million people.
Ashoura marks the 7th century death of the Shiite saint Imam Hussein, grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
Hussein's death caused the split in Islam between Shiites and Sunni Muslims.
Ceremonies reach their climax next week.

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