TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A senior Bahraini opposition figure warned the Al Khalifa regime of the dire consequences of insulting moves against prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, saying any such offense could result in civilian deaths.

Any offensive action by the Manama regime against Sheikh Qassim could result in shedding the blood of defenseless civilians who are ready to defend the popular cleric, Deputy Secretary General of Bahrain�s Islamic Action Society Sheikh Abdullah Saleh told Tasnim.

The opposition figure also slammed the ruling regime for not recognizing the influential role of Sheikh Qassim in Bahrain, saying he has always called for peaceful protests and acted as a safety valve that prevented violent moves.

Sheikh Saleh further likened Bahrain to a big prison, noting that people are not free to even travel inside the Persian Gulf country or perform religious rites without permission from the Al Khalifa regime.

Back in June, the Manama regime said the citizenship of Sheikh Qassim has been revoked, accusing him of sowing sectarian divisions.

The move drew widespread criticism worldwide.

Later in July, Sheikh Qassim�s planned trial was adjourned after the prominent figure did not appear in court.

Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf region, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, with security forces resorting to harsh measures against demonstrators.

Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the peaceful protests.

By Tasnim News Agency