As the Manama regime intensifies its crackdown on dissidents and imposes ever-tightening restrictions on freedom of expression, the arbitrary detention of religious figures has sparked sharp reactions. Hojatoleslam Sheikh Abdullah al-Daqqaq, head of the Bahraini Islamic Seminary in Iran, has denounced these actions, stressing the flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of scholars and thinkers. The full text of his statement reads as follows:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
We strongly condemn the action of the Bahraini regime in arbitrarily detaining a number of Shia scholars. This dangerous measure constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and belief, and a brazen assault on religious and civil rights recognized in both divine teachings and international laws and conventions.
Targeting scholars, intellectuals, and advocates of free expression with fabricated charges and pretexts does nothing to contribute to the country’s stability and calm. On the contrary, it will only fuel tensions and deepen the political and legal crisis in Bahrain—particularly given that religious scholars have historically played a vital role in calling for reform and strengthening public peace and tranquility.
We emphasize that the continuation of the policy of restricting religious freedoms and cracking down on religious and intellectual figures will only lead to mounting discontent and unrest within society. Furthermore, the Bahraini regime bears full responsibility for such behavior and its adverse consequences for public security and social harmony.
Accordingly, we:
- Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all scholars and individuals detained for their religious and political views and positions.
- Call for an end to the policy of arbitrary arrests and security summonses targeting citizens, scholars, and religious preachers.
- Urge human rights institutions and international organizations to fulfill their legal and moral responsibility in the face of the ongoing violations of human rights in Bahrain.
- Declare our full solidarity with the families of the detainees and the people of Bahrain in their demand for justice, human dignity, and the safeguarding of public freedoms.
