Bahrain Mirror: The Financial Times slammed Bahrain for its decision to strip Sheikh Isa Qassim of his nationality, stressing that a "move against such a senior and respected religious figure threatens another rise in sectarian discord, which could spark further protests and a wider crackdown in response."

"The decision to strip Sheikh Isa Qassim of his citizenship takes Bahrain into the darkest days it has seen since the protests and crackdown of 2011," Human Rights Watch had said in a statement. "The Bahraini authorities are shutting the door on political reform, while simultaneously stoking dissent. These actions should be met with serious consequences, not expressions of concern."

The newspaper further stated that "opposition members feel the government is willing to accelerate its crackdown on dissent because it believes it will only face minimal censure through statements of concern in the US and Europe," noting that both the US and UK have large naval bases in Bahrain.

"Stripping the nationality of dissidents has become a popular tool for Gulf states battling domestic dissent, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, where nationality is perceived by many as a privilege not a right," added The Finanical Times.

Arabic Version