TEHRAN (Tasnim) � A Bahraini opposition leader branded the Manama regime�s decision to put prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim on trial as targeting the religious and cultural symbols of the Arab country.





Trial of the popular Bahraini cleric will be a political, not a judicial, measure, Saeed al-Shehabi, leader of the London-based opposition group Bahraini Freedom Movement, told Tasnim.

He also warned that the Al Khalifa regime will have to face dire consequences if it does not put an end to its cruel measures.

Shehabi underscored that �political bullies� cannot bring about security and stability in Bahrain.

Sheikh Qassim will reportedly go on trial in August for alleged �money laundering� amid simmering tensions after the Manama regime decided to revoke his nationality.

The regime announced on June 20 that the citizenship of Sheikh Qassim has been revoked, accusing him of sowing sectarian divisions.

Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the ruling Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, with Manama using heavy-handed measures in an attempt to crush the demonstrations.

By Tasnim News Agency