Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Thousands of Bahrainis took to the streets across the country on Sunday (February 26, 2017), on the eve of a new court session in the Bahraini Shia spiritual leader Ayatollah Isa Qassim's trial.

Protestors denounced the government's ongoing prosecution of Sheikh Qassim over charges related to the religious Shia obligation of Khums (alms), warning the authorities of "committing another foolish mistake."

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had issued a decree last June, revoking the citizenship of Sheikh Qassim, who is the highest Shiite religious authority in Bahrain, while the Public Prosecution accused him of "money laundering" for managing Khums funds.

Angry demonstrators clashed in a number of areas across the island kingdom with government forces, who cracked down on the protestors using tear gas canisters and shotgun pellets (birdshot), in an attempt to disperse them.

Hundreds then perfomed evening prayers in the open protest site in Diraz and in mosques. Worshipers chanted slogans, wishing peace upon Bahrain and Sheikh Qassim.

Arabic Version