Bahrain Mirror: The Bahraini Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments considered that the term "target" used by some individuals, is "a continuation of the political exploitation and sectarian incitement approach to promote disorder." This was in reference to the statement of senior Shiite clerics stressing that the Shiite community in Bahrain is "targeted in its existence".

"It is unacceptable that some individuals omit an entire community of Islam, and [make] the whole community about themselves. It is also not allowed for some individuals to put themselves above the law," said the ministry.

Since the outburst of the uprising in February 2011, the Bahraini authorities have escalated their measures against the Shiite sect, demolished about 40 mosques, and arrested dozens of clergies.

The authorities proceeded to dissolve the Al-Wefaq Society and two other religious associations that are linked to the Shiite community. In the same context, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree stating that the citizenship of Bahraini Shia spiritual leader, Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, has been revoked.

This came before the public prosecution referred him to trial for charges of receiving the funds of the obligatory Khums (alms) ritual practiced by the followers of the Shiite sect.

Arabic Version