(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - "The targeting of processions is a flagrant violation of freedom to practice religious rites," Sheikh Issa Qassim said in a statement on Tuesday.
"There is no justification at all for acts that create more crisis, tension and anger... The tight security policing must end and people's rights must be respected."
The statement came after Bahraini forces on Sunday used tear gas, rubber bullets, sound grenades and birdshot to disperse pro-reform protesters in several cities across the country.
Police said that several people were arrested for chanting anti-government slogans, Reuters reported.
"A number of those provoking disturbances were arrested... and have been transferred to public prosecution," said police spokesman Tareq bin Dayna.
Marchers shouted "Down, down with (King) Hamad" and "The people want the fall of the regime."
Some of the gatherings were purely religious, residents said.
Bahraini people have been protesting since mid-February, calling for an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty. Saudi Arabia and the UAE deployed their troops to the state to help crush the protests in March.
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