Arrests of Shia Reciters and Mourning Hall Officials in Bahrain Back in the Spotlight
Bahrain Forum for Human Rights Condemns the Targeting of Shia Reciters and Hussainiya Officials, Calls for the Immediate Release of Detainees and an End to Restrictions on Religious Rituals

The Bahrain Forum for Human Rights (BFHR) is monitoring a renewed campaign of arrests and security harassment targeting Shia reciters and those responsible for managing mourning halls and Hussainiyas (Shia religious centres) in Bahrain. In recent days, those targeted have included Shia reciters Sayed Jalal al-Baladi, Mulla Habib al-Dirazi, and Abdullah al-Matrouk, as well as Mr. Habib Abbas Khamis, head of the Haj Ahmed bin Khamis Hussainiya, who was also detained.
BFHR believes that the repeated targeting of religious figures and participants in religious commemorations reflects the continued use of security agencies to restrict Shia citizens' right to practice their religious rituals. It considers these measures a violation of constitutional guarantees and international obligations concerning freedom of religion and belief, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
Regarding the latest arrests, security forces arrested Shia reciter Sayed Jalal al-Baladi on Sunday, October 25, 2026. He had previously been summoned by security authorities over his participation in Shia religious commemorations.
Mulla Habib al-Dirazi was also arrested on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after being summoned for questioning. His arrest followed the circulation of a video showing him reciting Ziyarat Ashura, accompanied by a hate speech campaign targeting him because of his religious practices.
The arrests also extended to Shia reciter Abdullah al-Matrouk, who was arrested by security forces during a raid on his home at approximately 8:00 p.m. He was not informed of the reasons for his arrest or the charges against him. The incident followed his participation in a zanjeel mourning procession commemorating the martyrdom of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her).
The security measures also included the detention of Habib Abbas Khamis, head of the Haj Ahmed bin Khamis Hussainiya. This expands the scope of the targeting to include those responsible for managing religious institutions, rather than Shia reciters and procession participants alone.
In this context, the Forum stresses that these arrests are not isolated incidents but part of a series of security measures carried out in Bahrain during periods of religious commemoration. These measures have included summoning and arresting Shia reciters, preachers, and heads of mourning halls, as well as imposing restrictions on Shia processions and activities.
The Forum also notes that approximately 48 people, including Shia reciters, heads of mourning halls, and their caretakers, were arrested between the beginning of 2026 and October 13, 2026.
The Bahrain Forum for Human Rights strongly condemns these arrests and arbitrary measures. It holds Bahrain's Ministry of Interior responsible for the security harassment and interference in the practice of religious rituals, as well as the resulting violations of Shia citizens' rights.
The Forum stresses that these measures constitute a clear violation of international human rights instruments to which the Government of Bahrain is a party, particularly Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. It also cites Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 30 of the Arab Charter on Human Rights, which affirm the protection of freedom of religion and belief and the practice of religious rituals.
BFHR further considers these measures a violation of Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, and Article 26 of the same Covenant, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.
These practices also contradict Bahrain's constitutional guarantees, particularly Article 22 of the Constitution, which states:
"Freedom of conscience is absolute. The State guarantees the inviolability of places of worship and freedom to perform religious rituals, processions, and religious gatherings in accordance with the customs observed in the country."
The Forum considers these practices a complete departure from the religious and social customs that have prevailed in Bahrain for centuries.

In light of the above, the Bahrain Forum for Human Rights calls on the Government of Bahrain to:
1.    Immediately end all measures and restrictions imposed on religious commemorations and mourning processions, and ensure that citizens can freely practice their religious rituals in accordance with Bahrain's Constitution and the international covenants and conventions signed by Bahrain.
2.    End all forms of security restrictions on mourning halls, Hussainiyas, and religious institutions, and stop summoning or pressuring those responsible for these institutions because of their religious activities. Guarantee the independence of religious institutions and the freedom of those managing them to carry out their lawful activities without intimidation or discrimination.
3.    Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals arrested or detained in connection with their participation in organizing or observing mourning ceremonies and religious rituals.
4.    Launch an independent investigation into hate speech campaigns targeting Shia citizens, religious scholars, and Shia reciters because of their religious beliefs and practices. Those responsible for spreading such rhetoric or inciting discrimination, hostility, or violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law and international human rights standards.
5.    Call on the relevant United Nations Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion or belief and on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association to monitor and assess these developments. They should also monitor and document violations affecting the Shia community in Bahrain, engage with the Bahraini authorities, and press them to respect their international human rights obligations.

Bahrain Forum for Human Rights
October 26, 2026