Bahrain: Shi’as to celebrate Ashura Sep. 21-30

Event

Shi'a Muslims in Bahrain will celebrate Ashura from Thursday, September 21, to Saturday, September 30. Religious processions during the celebrations may also include protests against the Sunni royal family and government. As public demonstrations are not authorized by the Bahraini authorities, police units may use force and tear gas to disperse crowds. Protesters could respond by throwing Molotov cocktails, detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), attempting to block roads, or burning tires. Localized transportation disruptions are possible.

Context

Bahrain's Shi'a Muslims accuse the royal family and the government of marginalizing their community. Protests often take place in locations across Bahrain on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and regularly result in violent clashes. In late May, five activists protesting in Diraz were killed during clashes with security forces.

Advice

Individuals present in Bahrain are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations and to monitor any developments to the situation.