Protests in Bahrain Against the Trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim

In a court session held on Wednesday, August 6, the trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim, a Shia cleric in Bahrain, was postponed until August 24. The announcement of the trial's commencement has sparked a wave of protests in Shia-populated areas of Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Bahraini prosecutor's office announced that next month, dozens will be tried on charges of forming a terrorist group. The trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim began on Wednesday morning, August 6, with the first session addressing two cases of 'money laundering' and 'illegal fundraising.' The Bahraini prosecutor's office stated on its Twitter account that Mr. Qassim is being tried for 'unauthorized fundraising and money laundering to conceal the source of these funds.' Various Bahraini sources, including the Al-Ayam newspaper, reported that none of the defendants or their lawyers attended the first trial session. According to these reports, shortly after the session began, the court decided to continue the trial on August 24. On July 1, Bahrain revoked Sheikh Isa Qassim's citizenship, accusing him of attempting to divide Bahraini society, encouraging youth to violate the constitution, and inciting ethnic tensions. This decision by the Bahraini government faced protests from both the United States and Iran. Supporters of Mr. Qassim now claim that the funds in his account are religiously mandated payments from Shia Muslims as Khums and Zakat. In response to Sheikh Isa Qassim's trial, the Bahraini opposition called on its supporters to take to the streets to disrupt traffic. Some news agencies, including Anadolu Agency, reported that residents of Shia-populated areas in Bahrain held protests on Wednesday. The protests against the trial of this Shia leader began on Tuesday evening. From Tuesday afternoon, dozens of shops in various areas of Bahrain closed, and protests were held. Eyewitnesses reported that the presence of security forces in the vicinity of the Al-Daraz area, where hundreds of Sheikh Isa Qassim's supporters gathered near his home, has significantly increased. Images of these gatherings have been shared on social media and various websites. On the other hand, the Bahraini prosecutor's office announced that next month, dozens will be tried on charges of forming a 'terrorist group,' espionage, and armed attacks against police officers. This case is related to the Bahraini government's claims of assistance from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to some Bahraini fugitives in establishing a radical Shia group called 'Zulfiqar Brigades.' The Bahraini prosecutor's statement indicated that investigations into the 'Zulfiqar Brigades' have concluded, and the case has been referred to the court. The statement mentioned that the case involves approximately 138 defendants with various charges, including connections to foreign entities, possession of weapons, and attacks on security forces. It added that 86 defendants have been arrested, while the others remain fugitives in Iraq and Iran. According to this statement, the trial of these individuals will take place on September 7. During the revolutions in several Arab countries, Bahraini Shia also protested for reforms and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. As these protests escalated, the Bahraini government sought assistance from Gulf Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait sent their military forces to Bahrain under an agreement known as the 'Island Shield.' These forces were stationed at borders and in front of important government buildings. Following this, Bahraini security forces ended the street presence of protesters who claim they are discriminated against and denied their rights. Since then, protests have sporadically occurred in Bahrain, with protesters clashing with security forces. The Bahraini government accuses the Islamic Republic of Iran of inciting protests and supporting demonstrators, an accusation that Iran vehemently denies.