Bahrain rejects claims of religiously motivated arrests, stating charges are for specific security offences like espionage and inciting violence.
MANAMA: Bahrain has strongly denied allegations of a crackdown on its Shia citizens following reports of mass arrests linked to the Middle East war.
The government’s statement came after two Bahraini rights groups told AFP that over 200 people, predominantly from the Shia community, had been detained since the conflict began.
Those arrested face accusations including espionage for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, treason, and sharing footage of Iran’s attacks.
“The suggestion that Bahrain is targeting its citizens based on religious identity is categorically false and inflammatory,” Bahrain’s National Communication Centre said.
It stated that charges were based on specific, evidenced conduct like disseminating enemy propaganda and incitement to violence.
“Any act that targets national security or seeks to undermine national unity will not be tolerated,” the centre added.
Rights groups also reported difficulties for lawyers accessing their clients, with one family allegedly spending five days locating a detained female relative.
The NCC denied these claims, asserting that all defence rights have been scrupulously observed throughout the legal process.
Sunni-ruled Bahrain is home to a large Shia community that has long complained of marginalisation.
