Bahrain Regime uses Reckless Sectarianism with attacks on Religious Observances

Bahrain: Authorities attack religious rituals preserved by Constitution
7 December, 2013 – ABNA

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) In November 2012, Al-Wefaq Islamic Society has sent a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, regarding restrictions on religious freedom on one of the religious sects in Bahrain, stating, “The authorities in Bahrain, during the religious season of (Muharram 1434 AH) are following an approach based on directions from high influential bodies in the State, stirring public anger and undermining the people’s right to practice their religious rituals. Citizens of a certain sect of the population feel that their religious beliefs and rituals are being targeted, without any reason, whether related to maintaining security, the State’s safety or any other claims. This attack is similar to what happened during the National Safety period, in March/May 2011, as had been reported by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and the UN Human Rights Council delegation during its visit to Bahrain in December 2011.”

Included with the letter was a list, prepared by the Liberties and Human Rights Unit in Al-Wefaq Society, that contained 42 documented cases of preachers, religious performers and a group of individuals responsible of “Matams” (Shi’a religious places) who were summoned to police stations for interrogation. The interrogation “focused on the usual phrases that were included in their religious speeches, and which are related to ideological, religious and historical beliefs. The authorities considered repeating these sayings, in the Shi’a culture, as an incitement toward hatred of the regime!” In addition to this, there are 9 other cases of attack on the rituals of the Ashura religious commemoration. …more