Mali imam angers Muslim groups over family law

Bamako, 11 May-(ANA)-An imam in Mali is living in fear after backing a new family law which no longer obliges wives to obey their husbands, angering Muslim groups.

He has received threatening phone calls and local Muslim leaders have tried to dismiss him.

The new law is currently being given a second reading in parliament after Mali's president refused to sign it because of the Muslim protests.

More than 90% of Mali's population is Muslim.

The High Islamic Council has said imams can only be dismissed by their congregation and it is unclear what weight the decision by local Muslim leaders to sack the imam will have, our reporter explains.

But the incident has highlighted the intense feelings among Muslims towards the new family law.

Its most contentious provisions give more rights to women. (ANA)

FA/ANA/11 May 2010-----------