Deputy Secretary General of Bahrain’s Islamic Action Society:

Any move against Shaykh Qasim to have dire consequences

Rasa – A senior Bahraini opposition figure warned the Al Khalifah regime of the dire consequences of insulting moves against prominent Shi’a cleric Shaykh Isa Qasim, saying any such offense could result in civilian deaths.

News ID: 422647

Date: 05 August 2016 - 19:18

RNA – Any offensive action by the Manama regime against Shaykh Qasim could result in shedding the blood of defenseless civilians who are ready to defend the popular cleric, the Deputy Secretary General of Bahrain’s Islamic Action Society, Shaykh Abdullah Saleh said.

The opposition figure also slammed the ruling regime for not recognizing the influential role of Shaykh Qasim in Bahrain, saying he has always called for peaceful protests and acted as a safety valve that prevented violent moves.

Shaykh Saleh further likened Bahrain to a big prison, noting that people are not free to even travel inside the Persian Gulf country or perform religious rites without permission from the Al Khalifah regime.

Back in June, the Manama regime said the citizenship of Shaykh Qasim has been revoked, accusing him of sowing sectarian divisions.

The move drew widespread criticism worldwide.

Later in July, Shaykh Qasim’s planned trial was adjourned after the prominent figure did not appear in court.

Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the Al Khalifah dynasty since early 2011, with security forces resorting to harsh measures against demonstrators.

Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the peaceful protests.

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