Bahraini regime steps up clampdown on religious scholars ahead of Ashura

Bahraini regime forces have summoned more Shia Muslim religious scholars for interrogation as the ruling minority Aal-e Khalifah regime presses ahead with its heavy-handed crackdown ahead of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Husain (PBUH), grandson and the third infallible successor of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA).

Rights activists, requesting anonymity, said Bahraini security officials have summoned Sheikh Issa al-Mu'min, Sheikh Ali Ashour, Sheikh Aqeel al-Ghanimi, Sheikh Jassim al-Damistani, Sayyed Maytham al-Muhafazah as well as Sheikh Mamdouh al-Aali for questioning, Arabic-language Lualua television network reported.

Earlier, Bahraini authorities had summoned Sayyed Jaber al-Shahrakani, Sheikh Mohammad Ali al-Mahfuz, Sheikh Mohammad Ashour and Sheikh Zoheir al-Khal for interrogation.

They also arrested Shia preachers Sheikh Menbar al-Ma’atouq and Sheikh Mohammad al-A’ajimi. 

Thousands of anti-regime protesters have held demonstrations in Bahrain on an almost daily basis ever since a popular uprising began in the country in mid-February 2011.

SS