Protests erupt across Bahrain in support of top Shia cleric

Nationwide protests have erupted across Bahrain in support of Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim whose citizenship has been revoked by Manama.

During the Sunday protests, participants slammed the Al Khalifah regime’s unlawful treatment of the Sheikh Qassim, who is currently under house arrest.

The demonstrators also called for an end to Manama’s continued crackdown against dissidents.

The protests were held as Bahrain’s High Criminal Court handed six people life sentences over charges of taking part in anti-regime protests and possession of arms.   

On Saturday, Bahraini religious scholars urged the nation to take part in rallies to express their solidarity with the prominent Shia cleric.

Read More:

• Bahrain court sentences 6 people to life in jail

• Bahraini clerics call for rallies in solidarity with Sheikh Isa Qassim

On June 20, 2016, Bahraini authorities stripped Qassim of his citizenship over accusations that he used his position to serve foreign interests and promote “sectarianism” and “violence.” He has denied the allegations.

Since mid-February 2011, Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests demanding that the ruling family relinquish power.

The Al Khalifah regime is engaged in a harsh crackdown on dissent and widespread discrimination against the country’s Shia majority. Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others injured or arrested in the island country.

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