Hundreds of residents in Iraq's Najaf province rallied and called for a new law that would "strengthen the sanctity" of the city of Najaf, where the Imam Ali Shrine, Shiite seminaries and authorities — most notably top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani — are based.

The heavy presence of clerics’ black and white turbans made it obvious the city’s conservatives were spearheading the April 7 demonstration. The protesters' anger was evident by their expressions and the slogans they chanted.

The demonstration was held after the young owner of a small cafe in the city caused "verbal offense" to Imam Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh imam in Twelver Shiism, whose death is commemorated every year by thousands of Muslims at his shrine in Baghdad. The cafe owner was addressing his followers in an Instagram post, while music played in the background. One listener denounced the music being played at a time when Kadhim’s death was being commemorated. The youth allegedly cursed the imam and was arrested a few days later on April 4.

The incident has outraged conservatives and some clerics in the city where millions of Shiites arrive annually requesting the blessing and intercession of Imam Ali. The visitors, even the diplomats, do respect Najaf's religious significance. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special representative for Iraq, covered her head with a scarf Feb. 6 during her visit.