According to the February 14 Revolution Youth Coalition, security forces affiliated with the Al Khalifa regime prevented the staging of a traditional Ashura performance at the Bin Khamis Husayniyya in the Sanabis district, located on the outskirts of the capital, Manama. The event, part of deeply rooted Muharram commemorations, was inspired by the uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) and had garnered significant public interest before being abruptly banned.
On Thursday, July 10, the authorities summoned the directors of the Husayniyya for questioning—a move widely seen as an act of intimidation aimed at curbing Shiite religious expression during the sacred month of Muharram.
Reports from local sources indicate that since the start of Muharram, the regime has intensified its campaign against Shiite mourning traditions. This includes the removal of black mourning flags, arrests of religious speakers and eulogists, bans on public ceremonies, and targeted suppression of Shiite symbols across several areas.
Despite official rhetoric promoting “religious tolerance,” Bahrain continues to face mounting international criticism over its systematic violations of Shiite rights, particularly during religious occasions.
The suppression of Muharram rituals is viewed by many as part of a broader policy aimed at marginalizing the Shiite majority and stifling cultural and religious identity within the kingdom.
