Bahrain: Protests possible over Oct. 15 pipeline attack sentencings

Event

On Monday, October 15, seven people were sentenced to jail, including six who were stripped of their nationality, after a Bahraini court found them guilty of conducting a terrorist attack targeting an oil pipeline in November 2017. Bahrain has accused Iran of being involved in the attack. Protests denouncing the convictions are possible in the coming days.

Context

The Bahraini government has consistently claimed Iran backs Shi'a militant groups to destabilize the country, a claim that Tehran denies. Bahrain's Shi'a Muslims in turn accuse the royal family and the government of marginalizing their community. Weekly protests by Shi'as take place in locations across Bahrain, which sometimes result in violent clashes between demonstrators and police.

Advice

Individuals in Bahrain are advised to strictly avoid all protests.