Bahrain cleric stands trial for taking donations illegally

Qasim and two others accused in the case did not appear in court

The spiritual leader of Bahrain’s Shiite community went on trial yesterday on charges of collecting donations illegally and money laundering.

Ayatollah Eisa Qasim, who also faces expulsion from the country after authorities revoked his citizenship last month for alleged foreign links and fomenting violence, says the charges are part of a political crackdown on Shiites to stop them from pushing for political reforms.

A prosecution statement said Qasim and two others accused in the same case did not appear in court despite having been informed of the trial. The hearing has now been rescheduled for August 14.

The case revolves around a tax known as Khums which is collected by the most senior cleric whom individuals follow.

The case arose after investigators discovered more than $10 million in an account held by Qasim, a sum which the prosecution said was intended “to escape legal monitoring”, according to the statement.

The prosecution also said other holdings were in real estate.

Qasim and other senior clerics have said the funds are part of Shiite tradition, which allows senior clerics to collect the tax and spend it in the interest of ordinary Muslims.

Tensions have risen in Bahrain following a series of government security moves including the dissolution of the main opposition Al Wefaq group.