Bahrain has restored state control over the island’s mosques in the wake of an alleged plot to overthrow the Sunni government.
“Regaining control of the pulpits so they are not hostage to incompetent politicians or clerics who have lost their way… is the starting point for developing a sound religious orientation,” said Crown Prince Salman, according to the official Bahrain News Agency.
Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa added the government would ensure that places of worship are run by those who promote “the values of tolerance and moderation”.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister were both writing in messages addressed to King Hamad on Sunday.
On Saturday, more than 20 Shi’ite opposition leaders were arrested on charges of plotting to overthrow the Gulf state’s monarchy by promoting violent protests and acts of sabotage.
State media quoted prosecutors as saying they would bring charges against the 23 men, two of whom are abroad and not under arrest. They include prominent Shi’ite Muslim clerics and human rights activists.
Bahraini public prosecution official Abdulrahman al-Sayed said in a statement that the men were the leaders of a “sophisticated terrorist network” suspected of “the planning and instigation of violence… and seeking to overthrow the regime by force”.
Bahrain is governed by a Sunni monarchy but has a majority Shi’ite population that complains of discrimination in jobs and services. The government denies the accusation.
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