Clashes erupt in Bahrain as demos held in solidarity with Sheikh Qassim
Scores of people held separate protests in Bahrain to voice their support for distinguished cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, who has been stripped of his nationality and put on trial by the government in Manama.
Protesters took to the streets in the village of Ma’ameer, situated about 15 kilometers south of the capital, Manama, on Tuesday evening, and chanted slogans against King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, Press TV reported.
The demonstrators hurled stones and fireworks at government forces, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
On Sitra Island, located five kilometers south of the capital, marchers held up pictures of Sheikh Qassim, who is the spiritual leader of Bahrain’s dissolved opposition bloc – the Al-wefaq National Islamic Society.
They also carried banners calling for the downfall of King Hamad, and condemned Saudis for providing military support to Manama in its heavy-handed crackdown on opposition activists.
Earlier in the day, Bahrain’s Fourth High Criminal Court adjourned the trial of the 77-year-old Sheikh Qassim until May 7.
Bahraini authorities stripped the cleric of his citizenship on June 20, 2016. They later dissolved the Islamic Enlightenment Institution, founded by him, in addition to the opposition Alrisala Islamic Association.
Manama has pressed charges of “illegal fund collections, money laundering and helping terrorism” against Sheikh Qassim, who has strongly denied them.