Bahrain: Three Bahraini clerics have been jailed in separate cases for taking part in illegal rallies.
Sayed Majeed Al Mishal was handed a two-year sentence yesterday by the Lower Criminal Court, which convicted him of taking part in an illegal gathering, rioting and incitement.
Al Sayyed Yassin Al Mosawi and Shaikh Aziz Al Khadhran were handed one-year sentences by the same court, which convicted them of taking part in an illegal protest on July 19.
Sayed Majeed Al Mishal was among those who took part in an illegal sit-in on June 30 outside the house of Shaikh Isa Qassim, the opposition’s spiritual leader whose nationality was revoked earlier that month.
He earlier pleaded not guilty and told prosecutors he was at Shaikh Qassim’s house on a normal visit.
However, he is also facing further charges in the same court for allegedly taking part in another illegal gathering in the same location on July 19, when he allegedly showed up wearing a white shroud normally used to bury the dead.
The cleric has also been charged with rioting and inciting hatred of the government in that case, but earlier denied the charges.
Duraz has witnessed ongoing gatherings and demonstrations since Shaikh Qassim’s nationality was revoked on June 20 for creating an “extremist sectarian environment” and establishing organisations linked to foreign authorities.
Shaikh Qassim is currently standing trial for alleged money laundering and illegal fundraising.
All three convicted yesterday had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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