At least five killed in clashes between Bahraini security forces and protesters

Following a raid by Bahraini security forces on protesters supporting a dissident cleric, at least five people have been killed and hundreds arrested. It was previously reported that security forces stormed the home of Sheikh Isa Qassim, the opposition leader, detaining several of his supporters. Initial reports indicated that one person had been killed in these events. Three days ago, the Bahraini government sentenced Sheikh Isa Qassim, a dissident cleric, to one year in prison on charges of 'money laundering' and 'illegal fundraising,' prompting the protests. A security force member told Reuters, 'The attack in Diraz occurred after receiving information that several fugitives linked to terrorist activities and the murder of a police officer were hiding in this village.' However, human rights organizations have described the protest in 'Diraz,' a region in northwestern Bahrain, as peaceful and condemned the attack. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the 'excessive use of force' against protesters. Human Rights Watch has stated that the security forces' raid in 'Diraz' is a 'suppression of freedom of expression.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on June 2 and warned about its consequences. Bahrain has repeatedly accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs, supporting 'terrorism,' and orchestrating protests. From the perspective of fundamental freedoms advocates, Bahrain, along with some other regional countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran, ranks among the lowest in political freedoms, freedom of expression, and citizens' rights to peaceful assembly. Previously, during Barack Obama's administration, Washington called for 'significant reforms' and respect for citizens' fundamental rights in Bahrain. Current U.S. President Donald Trump, during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, told the king that there had been 'small tensions' between the United States and Bahrain in the past, but 'there will be no tensions with this government.' Bahrain is one of the United States' most important allies in the West Asia region and around the Persian Gulf and is also the center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet command. Protests in Bahrain have escalated since 2011. Since then, dozens of protesters and at least 10 police officers have been killed during the protests. Security forces have also arrested hundreds, and according to Amnesty International, have stripped at least 316 individuals of their citizenship rights.