Iran's leader denounces Bahrain government's 'foolishness'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 June 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran's leader denounces Bahrain government's 'foolishness', 25 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a43c1115.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 25, 2016
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused Bahrain's Sunni-led government of "blatant foolishness and insanity" for stripping the kingdom's most prominent Shi'ite cleric of his citizenship.
Bahrain stripped Ayatollah Isa Qassem of his citizenship on June 20, accusing him of using his position to "serve foreign interests" – an apparent reference to Shi'ite-led Iran – and promoting "sectarianism and violence."
Qassem has backed protests led by the Persian Gulf state's Shi'ite majority for greater civil and political rights.
The decision prompted an outpouring of citizen protest and warnings from Tehran that it could provoke an armed uprising.
Khamenei's website on June 25 quoted him as saying the "knowledgeable" Qassem was a moderate who would have worked to "prevent extremist tactics."
"Now, no obstacle can prevent these young enthusiasts from rising up," Khamenei added.
With reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
