Five people martyred in Bahrain’s raids on top Shia cleric's home

Bahrain's Interior Ministry has announced the martyrdom of five people in raids on protesters gathering in the northwestern village of Diraz.

According to Press TV quoting the ministry, on Tuesday, over 280 people were also detained during the attack.

Earlier in the day, Bahraini regime forces stormed into the residence of Sheikh Isa Qassim, the spiritual Leader of the country’s Shia majority in the village, arresting everyone inside the house. It is not yet clear whether Sheikh Qassim himself is among the detainees.

Security forces fired birdshots at protesters and teargas into the house of the prominent cleric.

The village has been a scene of protests since last June, when authorities stripped the cleric of his citizenship over accusations that he used his position to serve foreign interests and promote “sectarianism” and “violence.” He has denied the allegations.

Following the brutal operations, Bahraini clerics called for mass nationwide protests.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has slammed the Manama regime's excessive use of force against protesters, stressing that the village has been under siege for over 11 months.

“Today’s disturbing developments again show the consequences of rampant impunity enjoyed by the security forces. There must be a prompt, independent investigation and those responsible for unlawful killing and other arbitrary or abusive force must be prosecuted. The authorities must rein in the security forces, order that they strictly comply with international standards on police use of force, and ensure the right to peaceful protest is protected,” said Amnesty's Director of Campaigns Samah Hadid.

ME