Manama–Bahraini Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs said that the “targeted” sectarian slogan is used for political exploitation by some in Bahrain.

The ministry said that whoever broke the law doesn’t want the best for Bahrain. The ministry added that the legal procedures will continue against anyone financing terrorism and using religion for political sectarian purposes.

The ministry added that it is not right for a certain religion or sect to be reduced into a group of people. The ministry also said that no one is above the law and thus legal measures will be taken against anyone instigating violence.

The ministry called on all citizens to support the measures taken by the state against those who violate the law, incite violence and are linked with forces abroad.

Earlier, four main Shi’ite Muslim clerics warned that the government crackdown was not limited to the political opposition.

The clerics, led by Issa al-Qassim who was recently stripped of his nationality, issued a joint statement calling the Bahraini authorities to stop targeting them.

“We, the Shi’ites, as a main component of this homeland have become greatly convinced that we are being targeted in our existence, identity, beliefs, rituals and practices,” the statement was signed by Issa al-Qassim, Abdullah al-Ghuraifi, Abdul-Hussein al-Sitri and Mohammed Saleh al-Rubaiyi.

Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs said that Bahrain is a role model for co-existence and forgiveness.

The ministry explained that rights are protected in Bahrain and all the procedures done are solely for the nation’s well-being.