Bahrain Mirror: Bahraini lawyer Abdullah Al-Shamlawi said that the charges raised against Bahrain's Shia spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim are contrary to the Bahraini constitution.

"The charges raised against Ayatollah Qassim pursuant to the Fundraising Act for 1956 are retaliatory and contrary to Article 22 of the Constitution," said Al-Shamlawi in a tweet on his personal Twitter account.

The constitution stipulates that "freedom of conscience is absolute. The State shall guarantee the inviolability of places of worship and the freedom to perform religious rites and to hold religious processions and meetings in accordance with the customs observed in the country."

Sheikh Qassim is being prosecuted over charges related to the Shia religious obligatory ritual of Khums (alms).

Arabic Version