Manama – Bahraini General Persecution has declared the suspension of a Friday prayers imam for defaming the constitutional regime in the kingdom during a Friday prayer sermon. Security forces also arrested a number of citizens who participated in an illegal gathering in Duraz village.

Chief of Muharraq Governorate Prosecution, Abdulla Al-Dossary declared that the public prosecution received a report from the security directorate of Muharrak district that a certain imam was insulting the constitutional system while giving a Friday sermon.

Dossary added that the general persecution launched an investigation into the incident and examined the transcript of the sermon.

The persecution also questioned the suspect during the presence of his lawyer and confronted him over the content of the sermon he delivered.

The imam was remanded in custody for seven days pending further investigations. He was charged with inciting hatred against Bahrain’s constitutional system.

In May, religious platforms and politics were separated in Bahrain and authorities banned people who are active in religious positions and religious figures from participating in any political activities. State agency Bahraini News Agency has stated: “Under no circumstances can anyone combine religious preaching and membership in a political society.”

Authorities also barred political associations and participants in political activities from using religion.

Deputy district attorney Abdullah al-Zawadi said that he received information from al-Badie police station saying that a number of citizens had assembled in Duraz. He added that certain participants were identified.

The prosecution launched an investigation into the incident and arrested three people. One was jailed and the other two were released after being charged with illegal assembly.