Bahrain's opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman[/caption]Iraqs most senior Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, has called on the Bahraini government to immediately release the opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman.
An informed source in the coalition of United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) on Wednesday disclosed information on Ayatollah Sistanis dissatisfaction over the detention of Sheikh Salman by the Bahraini government.
Bahraini forces on Sunday arrested Sheikh Salman who leads Bahrains main opposition bloc, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society. Manama announced Tuesday that the cleric was remanded in custody for a week pending further questioning.
According to informed source, Iraqs Deputy Parliament Speaker Humam Hamoudi has held a meeting with Bahrains ambassador to Iraq in which he voiced Ayatollah Sistanis objection to Salmans arrest, Iraqs Nahrain news network reported.
The ambassador vowed to inform Bahraini government about Ayatollah Sistanis opposition to the move, the source said.
Ayatollah Sistani views Salmans arrest as not beneficial to Bahrain. The senior cleric has called for Salmans immediate release and has asked the Bharaini government to apologize for the move, the source quoted Ayatollah Sistani as saying.
Bahrains arrest of Sheikh Salman came as the 49-year old respected cleric secured a new four-year term at al-Wefaq's general congress last Friday.
Since mid-February 2011, thousands of protesters have held numerous rallies in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.
By Press TV
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