A group of Bahraini scholars have issued a statement on Monday condemning al-Khalifa regime for restricting the mourning ceremonies of Muharram under the pretext of maintaining protocols against COVID-19.

Bahraini clerics in their statement noted that crackdown of ceremonies which mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam are merely pretexts in line with the policy of sectarianism and anti-religion hegemony.
 
Manama has reportedly forced raids and issued warning against any religious gathering.
 
All Shia gatherings, black banners and flags representing mourning ceremonies of Muharram have been targeted by al-Khalifa regime.
 
Shia Muslims and those loyal to the household of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) mark Imam Hussein (AS), third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)during Muharram and Safar the first and second months in the Islamic lunar calendar.
 
Imam Hussein (AS), together with 72 of his companions and household members sacrificed his life in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD to stand against the tyrant ruler of his time Yazid ibn Muawiyah.