Bahrain Mirror: Protesters and Bahraini government forces clashed on Friday (September 30, 2016), after Ashura signs and banners, which were in display in various areas across the country, were taken down by security forces.

The Shiite community in Bahrain is to start the commemoration of Ashura, expressing grief over the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali bin Abi Taleb, the third of the twelve Shia Imams.

Mourners took to the streets of the Malikiya and Sanabis in protest of the removal of the black flags and banners from the streets. Their protests were met by teargas canisters and sound grenades fired by regime forces.

Since the crackdown on Shiite-led protests in February and March 2011, the government has launched a nationwide campaign targeting the beliefs and places of worship of the Shiite sect, which represents the majority of the indigenous population in the island kingdom.

Tags: Bahrain, Regime Forces, Ashura in Bahrain, Shiites, Shia, Persecution of Shiites in Bahrain, Anti-Shiism

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