Bahrain Mirror: The picture, from right to left Sheikh Ali al-Hamli, Sheikh Mohammad Jawad al-Shahabi, Sayyed Majeed al-Mashaal, and Sheikh Isa al-Moumin, shows four of the Shiite Muslim religious clerics who have been arrested by the Bahraini authorities within the past few days. Their arrest came as a punishment due to their religious activity.

The authorities have been increasing its targeting of Shiite clerics; while more than 15 religious scholars are in prison serving their sentences, among which are life sentences. The authorities recently summoned and arrested many more.

The Public Prosecution and detention centers decided on Sunday (August 7, 2016) to arrest three Shiite clerics, who are Sheikh Ali al-Hamli, Mohammad Jawad al-Shahabi, and Sheikh Isa al-Moumin, on charges of religious preaching, or participating in the ongoing sit-in held outside Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim's house.

Authorities released Sayyed Hashim al-Bahrani, Sayyed Mohsen al-Ghuraifi, Sheikh Abdul Hakim al-Aradi, Sheikh Hussein al-Mahrous, and Sheikh AbedAli al-Aali.

Human rights organizations say that the authorities have stepped up their campaign against Shiites and summoned more than 40 Shiite clerics since mid-June, while arresting a number of them. This coincided with the regime's move revoking the nationality of the Shia spiritual leader in the country, Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim.

Arabic Version