Top Bahraini Cleric’s Life at Risk: Representative
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The representative of prominent Bahraini cleric Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim in Iran expressed concern about the cleric’s health and said he is in a dangerous situation.
Speaking to Tasnim, Sheikh Abdullah al-Daqqaq noted that the Bahraini religious leader is under the ruling Al Khalifa regime’s house arrest and said, “Ayatollah Qassim is now in a very dangerous situation.”
He said there is no trust in Bahraini hospitals administrated by the regime and “it is possible that the Bahrain government may endanger his life.”
The cleric urged Bahrain’s people to put pressure on the Al Khalifa regime and hold rallies in al-Diraz region where Sheikh Qassim is under house arrest.
He further deplored Saudi Arabia’s interference in Bahrain and said the Saudi crown prince “is after increasing pressure on Ayatollah Qassim.”
Al-Daqqaq went on to say that the Saudis’ measures against Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement and the people of Bahrain are aimed at appeasing the US and Zionist regime.
In recent days, Bahraini security forces have extensively surrounded the house of Sheikh Qassim in Diraz, according to media reports.
The cleric was stripped of his citizenship in June last year over accusations that he had used his position to serve foreign interests and promote sectarianism and violence. The cleric was handed a suspended one-year prison term and ordered to pay a fine.
The ruling against the prominent Shiite cleric also sparked widespread protests and condemnations.
Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the ruling Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, with Manama using heavy-handed measures in an attempt to crush the demonstrations.
Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the peaceful demonstrations.
