08 Nov 2018 | 07:22 PM UTC
Bahrain: Clerics call for anti-government protests November 9 /update 1
Religious leaders call for unauthorized demonstrations on November 9 to condemn sentencing of opposition leader, closer ties with Israel; heightened security presence expected
Event
Religious leaders are calling for protests on Friday, November 9, in response to the sentencing of prominent opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman and rumors of an improving relationship with Israel. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a warning regarding planned protests at undisclosed locations on Friday. A heightened security presence is likely and clashes with protesters and arrests cannot be ruled out.
Context
Sheikh Ali Salman was sentenced to life in prison on November 4 after courts found him guilty of espionage on behalf of Qatar. Ali Salman led the opposition Al-Wefaq party, which was involved in anti-government demonstrations in 2011 during the Arab Spring.
Israel has improved relationships with several Gulf countries in recent months.
Advice
Individuals in Bahrain are advised to monitor developments to the situation, strictly avoid all protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
