Bahraini Opposition Forces: The Regime Has Put Itself in a Losing Gamble by Targeting the Shiite Community, and We Call on Our People to Show Their Anger in Defense of Religion and the Dignity of Religious Scholars
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The policy of exclusion and authoritarian rule in Bahrain has committed a reckless act that has gone beyond political repression and entered a stage of open war against the Shiite community, turning the country into a place of chaos and revenge.
The violent raids on the homes of more than forty respected religious scholars, seminary teachers, and Friday prayer leaders have destroyed what remained of the illusion of stability in Bahrain. These actions have shown, more than ever, that the political authorities no longer possess true legitimacy or genuine representation of the people.
This extreme sectarian campaign, which has led to the detention of religious scholars based on false accusations and security claims, and the revival of ideological persecution, is a direct attack on the identity of the entire people. It is also a desperate attempt to force into submission the scholars who represent the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), though they bow only before God Almighty.
This harmful action has placed the country in a losing gamble over the future of the homeland. It has moved Bahrain away from the path of legitimate political demands and pushed it toward a conflict over identity and survival.
The people of Bahrain, through their loyalty to their religion and homeland, have already won this battle before it has even begun. Anyone who believes they can crush free people is chasing the impossible. Bahrain — with its people, scholars, and deep-rooted identity — will remain, while the mentality of exclusion and oppression will eventually disappear.
We also hold the international community and human rights organizations responsible for their silence regarding the systematic targeting of religious identity in Bahrain and the destruction of what remains of social unity and civil peace. Moral responsibility requires immediate action before the situation leads to serious consequences.
Finally, we call on the people of Bahrain to clearly reject the humiliation of their respected scholars and to defend their dignity by filling mosques, raising evening prayers and chants from their homes, taking part in peaceful public gatherings across villages and towns, and showing solidarity with the scholars by visiting their homes and supporting them.
Remember that today you are not only defending your political rights, but also your right to dignity, identity, and existence on your historic land.
Issued by:
Bahraini Opposition Forces
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
