Bahrain Mirror: Prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Hussein al-Mahrous, the director of Sheikh Isa Qassim's office, refused for the second time to be tried with Sheikh Qassim over their practice of the Khums (alms) religious Shiite obligation.

Sheikh al-Mahrous, who was brought to trial against his will, said that "he had gathered money pertaining to the Khums obligatory ritual, while he is accused of raising money without a license."

Al-Mahrous, who is already held in custody for demonstrating near Ayatollah Qassim's house, also declined a lawyer appointed for him by the Justice Ministry, believing that this appointed lawyer "does not meet all requirements."

The court decided to adjourn the case for defense until September 26.

The authorities accuse Ayatollah Qassim and his office director Sheikh Hussein al-Mahrous and Mirza Dirazi of raising money without a license, and practicing the Shiite religious obligatory ritual of Khums.

Arabic Version