UN rights experts urge Bahrain to end persecution of Shias


Authorities in Bahrain are being urged by UN human rights experts to end the systematic harassment of the Shia population, including stripping many of them of citizenship.

The experts warned of the "chilling effect" the various arrests, interrogations and criminal charges brought against many Shia religious clerics and singers, activists and peaceful dissidents is having on fundamental human rights.

Shias are clearly being targeted on the basis of their religion, they underscored.

A wide range of charges are being brought against the Shias, including "illegal gathering, inciting hatred against the regime, money laundering and acts of terrorism".

These actions are described by the UN rights experts as "groundless accusations" used to hide a deliberate targeting of Shias in the country.

SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.