Collection of Christmas Trees from Karbala Streets and Cancellation of Celebrations in Kirkuk
The directive to collect pine trees from Karbala’s streets, which had been decorated for Christmas and New Year celebrations, has been implemented.
According to Iraqi news agency “Brataha,” Naseef al-Khattabi, head of the Supreme Security Committee and governor of Karbala, has taken strict measures to deal with individuals who intend to disrespect the city and Karbala’s religious identity. He had issued a directive for the collection of pine trees seen decorated in Karbala’s streets for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and on Friday, December 29, the directive was implemented and the trees were removed.
The head of Karbala’s Supreme Security Committee stated in a meeting held last week: “We emphasize the importance of the sanctity of Karbala Province and its religious character, and preventing manifestations and activities that appear in celebrations. In this meeting, we have emphasized to shopkeepers and shopping centers that they must adhere to the circulars and instructions issued by the governorate in this regard.”
Marwan al-Ani, media spokesperson for Kirkuk Province in Iraq, also issued a statement declaring: “In solidarity with our brothers and friends affected by the Hamdaniyah incident and the unfortunate events in Palestine, any special ceremonies for the New Year in Kirkuk are prohibited.”
Iraqi Christians, numbering approximately half a million, participated very minimally in this year’s Christmas celebrations due to solidarity and sympathy with Palestinians killed in the Israel-Palestine war, as well as with the large number of Iraqi citizens who lost their lives in a fire several months ago.
Priests of Iraqi churches have also announced that upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations will be limited due to solidarity with Palestine and victims of the fire in the Christian-populated city of Hamdaniyah, which occurred at a wedding and resulted in the death of at least 120 people.
