Bahraini Clerics under Attack

Shia Rights Watch is greatly saddened and disturbed at the alarming number of Shia clerics who are being unlawfully arrested in Bahrain. This blatant targeting of Shia religious leaders, including Sayed Majeed Al Mishal is unacceptable and unfounded. SRW calls on Bahrain’s leaders to release him and all the other wrongfully imprisoned clerics immediately.

Bahraini forces raided the cleric’s home Saturday morning arresting him and disturbing his family. Last month, the Bahraini government arrested 2 other Shia clerics for participating in a sit in to protest the detainment and revoked citizenship of Sheikh Issa Qassim.

Another prominent Shia cleric, Sheikh Ali Salman, has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for allegedly seeking a regime change and collaborating with foreign powers. He has denied these allegations, but if he really was seeking to better the situation in Bahrain, he should have proudly declared so openly. One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.

Bahrain’s constant violation to Shia human rights, and pressure to religious and community leaders has added to the unrest and dissatisfaction of the Bahrainis, and that should be enough reason for international committees to intervene.

SRW urges Bahraini government to respect the right to freedom of religion of its citizen and free the leaders immediately.