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Bahrain: Targeting of religious processions a clear violation of freedom of belief practices

6 June 2011 - 19:30
News ID: 245752

“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”. (Article 22/ Bahrain Constitution).

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - “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”. (Article 22/ Bahrain Constitution).

On 12 April 2011, Minister of Interior announced that the religious processions- for Shia Community- are not allowed “temporarily” due to the National Safety law (Emergency law). Ref: http://www.alwasatnews.com/3140/news/read/537003/1.html

On 4 June 2011, Bahrain TV announced that the religious processions- for Shia Community- are allowed after the end of the National Safety law (Emergency law).

On 5 June 2011, Hundreds took part in religious processions. (Attached photo 1)

The riot police attacked the religious processions in several areas (Ma’ameer, Sitra, karzakan, Buri, A’ali, Dair, Kawara, Hamala, Duraz and other). Ref “Ma’ameer village:

The assaults by riot police lead to injuries amongst the participants in religious processions. (Attached photo 2, 3)

The riot police later detained the participants in the religious processions.