Ashura in Sweden: Thousands of Black-Clad Muslims Seize Control of the Streets (Video)

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the tenth day of the holiday, thousands of black-clad Shia Muslims seized control of Malmo’s streets. This troubling demonstration was part of the Shia Muslims’ observance of ‘Ashura,’ a festival commemorating the death of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

For many years, in Western cities like Paris, London, and Rome, where Muslims have become a significant minority, there have been routine displays of power and dominance through public demonstrations. These actions are provocations intended to assert dominance over the local population.

While these demonstrations have a veneer of religious observance, the choice to take over public streets instead of using available mosques or private spaces suggests a different intent. The purpose appears to be using the appearance of religious observance to achieve an effect more closely resembling an occupying army conducting a combat drill, showcasing who truly controls the public spaces.