29 May 2004	Saturday	09 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

RAWALPINDI, May 28: A day of mourning was observed in the twin cities on Friday against the atrocities being committed in Iraq and desecration of holy sites by the US-led coalition forces.

The call for observing the day of mourning had been given by top Shia spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal leaders had also given a similar call.

Speaking after the Friday congregations, Ulema warned the US against the profanation of holy sites by its troops and those of it's allies. They said the Muslims would not remain silent spectators on such incidents of barbarity.

The Ulema further criticized the US for its human rights record in Iraq, particularly in the context of the atrocities perpetrated against the Iraqi prisoners in the Abu Ghraib jail.

Later, people brought out rallies condemning the US action against the holy shrines. The protesters were carrying posters against the atrocities being committed by the allied forces in Iraq. They also chanted slogans, demanding immediate withdrawal of US troops from the holy cities of Kufa, Karbala and Najaf.

Talking to the protesters, speakers called for trial of US president George Bush and UK premier Tony Blair by the International Court of Justice for their 'war crimes'.

Ayatollah Khamenei in his message on this occasion, which was read out at some places, had urged the great Muslim nation to protest the oppression of people of Iraq and profanation of holy sites.

He stated that the US-led forces had contemptuously treated the holy mosque of Sahleh, where dozens of faithful were massacred, and the mausoleum of Imam Ali (AS) had also been attacked. Ayatollah Khamenei said the US and its allies should know that through such actions they would sow the seeds of hatred.