HUNDREDS of Muslims marched through Newport yesterday in a sombre but powerful act of remembrance of the martyrdom of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.

The 31st annual Martyr's march, organised by the Islamic Society for Wales, commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, who died with 72 family members and companions at the hands of the forces of the tyrant Yazid more than 1,300 years ago.

Marching also to respect the values that Imam Hussain stood for - truth, justice, freedom, equality and human dignity - those taking part walked down from the mosque on Hill Street, along Commercial Street, and back up Stow Hill.

The hour-long event was marked by chanting and the beating of hands against chests, an act of remembrance and mourning. Some marchers carried banners proclaiming Imam Hussain's stand against oppression and corruption.

Also part of the march this year was a horse decked out in ceremonial garb to represent Zuljanah, the Imam's horse.

Mubarak Ali, secretary of the Islamic Society for Wales, that since the first march back in the early 1980s, it has become an important annual event, and one that has been introduced into other Muslim communities in the UK.