"No Room for Political Agendas"
- 41 Wilayat al-Faqih agents and 15 operatives arrested, linked to the IRGC
- Illegal funds allegedly sent to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to support armed groups
As part of the Interior Ministry's ongoing community partnership strategy, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa chaired the annual meeting with heads and officials of Community Centres (Maatams) across the governorates at the Police Officers Club. Senior officials attended, including the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the Deputy Interior Minister, the Chief of Police, the governors, and the two deputy chairmen of the Islamic Endowments Council — reflecting the significance of coordination ahead of Ashura.
The Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and their commitment to strengthening community engagement as a cornerstone of governance.
The Minister made clear this is not a routine Ashura season. He addressed two pressing issues: the organisation of Ashura events and the arrest of a network of individuals linked to Wilayat al-Faqih and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
56 Arrested in Iranian-Backed Network
Authorities arrested 41 key agents working to spread the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih, followed by 15 additional field operatives tasked with carrying out inciting instructions on the ground. According to the Public Prosecution, the group committed crimes threatening national security, collected funds without a licence — some of which were transferred to Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to finance terrorist organisations — and some defendants personally benefited from the money collected. Their methods included social infiltration, planting cells, and targeting youth through Maatams, religious lessons, and financial assistance.
The Minister explained that Wilayat al-Faqih shifts followers' political allegiance away from their home country toward Iran's ruling jurist. The arrested network had been secretly working to reshape Shia Islamic jurisprudence in Bahrain, build loyalty to Iran's leadership, and extend Iranian influence under the cover of religion, primarily targeting youth.
He called for heightened awareness to protect the thinking and loyalty of Bahrain's youth and to defeat what he described as a plot to change Bahrain's identity.
Politicisation Will Not Be Tolerated
The Minister praised Maatam leaders for preserving the religious and civilised character of Ashura over the years, strengthening public safety and social peace. He called on all to comply with laws and regulations.
He was unequivocal: no foreign flags, no slogans tied to regional agendas, and no mourning for the Wali al-Faqih. He reminded attendees that Bahrain's Hussainiya mourning traditions are historically older than the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih itself. The state, he affirmed, fully protects legitimate religious practice — but will act against anyone exploiting religious occasions for political purposes.
Maatam Leaders Respond
At the close of the meeting, heads and officials of Community Centres praised His Majesty the King's support for Ashura and the government's commitment, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. They expressed appreciation for official efforts in ensuring a successful, stable, and cohesive Ashura season.
"Wilayat al-Faqih is a political project wrapped in a religious cover; mourning for the Wali al-Faqih is prohibited and punishable."
The arrested group of agents was secretly working to change the reality of Shia Fiqh in Bahrain and achieve Iranian expansion in the name of religion."
"Social peace and stability are a priority, and all must comply with laws and regulations to enhance participant security and safety."
"We will not allow anyone to politicise the occasion, violate public order and the law, raise flags or chant slogans linked to regional agendas and organisations."
"Necessary action will be taken against anyone who violates the law and exploits religious occasions to serve political objectives."
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