Iraqi Shiite Muslim crowds, marching in a protest against the USA and the former regime of Saddam Hussein, are led by Sheikh Ammar Abdel Aziz al-Hakim, the nephew of assassinated top Shiite leader Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer al-Hakim. Photo by AFP
More than 300,000 Muslims began a two-day, 110-mile march to the holy city of Najaf on Sunday to mourn a cherished Shiite leader who was assassinated in a car bombing that killed at least 85 people. "Our revenge will be severe on the killers," read one of the many banners carried by mourners. Red and white roses were laid on the coffin and a large portrait of al-Hakim was placed in front of it. Meanwhile Iraqi police say they have arrested 19 men - many of them foreigners and all with admitted links to al-Qaida - in connection with the blast.