Security forces remove Ashura observances in various regions of Bahrain

Bahrain has recently seen a series of attacks on Ashura observances, with the Bahraini Ministry of Interior implementing repressive measures in several areas coinciding with the commemoration of Holy Ashura.

In the Tubli area, Ashura displays were repeatedly attacked by Ministry of Interior forces, leading to tension and unrest among residents.

These attacks were not limited to Tubli; they also extended to the Saar area, where the Ministry of Interior continued to target Ashura observances and suppress religious rituals that are a fundamental part of Shia traditions.

In Hamad City, plainclothes security forces removed Ashura displays in the early morning hours in the Lady Fatima al-Zahra Mosque and the Lady Khadija Mosque neighborhoods. Residents expressed their strong anger over these actions, considering them a blatant violation of religious rituals and a provocation of their sentiments.

In a related context, Bahraini security authorities summoned the head of the Sanabis Matam (community center) and threatened him with severe actions due to mourners’ chants condemning the military operations and massacres carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Bahraini authorities are facing severe criticism from citizens and human rights organizations, who see these actions as unjustified escalation and an attempt to restrict freedom of expression and religious practice.

Human rights activists called for an end to these practices and for respecting citizens’ rights to express their beliefs and conduct their religious rituals without interference or repression.