Bahrain Mirror: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received on Tuesday (October 18, 2016) the Hussainya Processions Authority, led by its chairman Ahmed Mohsen bin Salloum, marking the end of the Ashoora rituals, according to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

BNA stated that the King thanked the members of authority for their good management of the rituals, for the sake of the (Shiite) doctrine which has long been known in Bahrain over centuries.

Hamad bin Isa said that his country enjoys freedom on terms of practicing religious rituals without any discrimination or division.

The King's allegations regarding the freedom of practicing religious rituals come despite the human rights organizations documented dozens of violations practiced by the regime forces against Ashura rituals.

Bahrain faces severe international criticism over its repressive measures against the Shia sect since it crushed the popular movement, with the help of Saudi Arabia, in March 2011 that sought to put an end to Al Khalifa monopoly over power.

Arabic Version