Fuelling sectarianism: Cleric’s appeal rejected

A cleric convicted in connection with fuelling sectarianism case has had his appeal rejected.

The defendant was sentenced to three years in prison for delivering sermons, in which he branded Sunnis as infidels and accused the government of behaving in a wanton manner.

The Bahraini cleric confessed to his wrongdoing before prosecutors, admitting that he didn’t have licence to address a crowd from the Jaffari Endowments.

Court documents indicated that the cleric had committed the offences in the month of Muharram three years ago.

“I don’t have a licence from the Jaafari Endowments, but people have handpicked me to preach them,” the defendant said in his statement earlier.

Prosecutors considered his statements as a threat to the civil peace.