Though the anti-corruption demonstrations that began Oct. 1 in Iraq seem to have quieted recently, government authorities worry protesters plan to take advantage of a religious observance this week to press for their demands.

Arbaeen, a Shiite Islam pilgrimage that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, will be held Oct. 19. It typically draws millions of people to Karbala, where he is buried.

Yasen al-Bakri, political science professor at Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, explained the context to Al-Monitor, saying, “In Shiite belief, Hussein is the symbol of revolutions and protests against oppression by the ruler. … The [government] is aware of the revolutionary energy simmering on this occasion, and it is afraid of not being able to control the situation at the security level. After all, security forces might join the protesters or refuse to obey oppressive orders under the influence of Arbaeen."

On Oct. 4, Najaf Gov. Louay al-Yasiri appeared in a TV interview begging protesters to postpone their protests until after Arbaeen. Eight days later, Karbala Gov. Nassif al-Khattabi sent out a similar message.