Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain Forum for Human Rights (BFHR) said in a statement that security authorities have imposed an undeclared house arrest against Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, since the violent armed raid on the Diraz protest on May 23, 2017.

In its statement (Saturday June 3, 2017) the BFHR added that the security forces surrounding Ayatollah Qassim's house, prevent citizens from reaching his house, restrict freedom of movement to those living near him. It also confirmed that there are serious concerns over Sheikh Qassim's situation.

"The security authorities are imposing tightened security measures even on Sheikh Qassim's family member who are not residing with him," the statement added, clarifying that authorities make them stand for long times outside his house before allowing their entry.

"Authorities prevented some citizens and clerics from visiting Ayatollah Qassim, at a time when authorities deny that they imposed a house arrest against him," it went on to say.

On this level, the BFHR called on international human rights and civil societies to interfere and halt these ongoing violations and security harassments near Ayatollah Qassim. This adds up to what residents of Diraz, around 20 thousand citizens, suffer from, including repercussions of movement restriction, and deliberate internet interception for over a year.

Arabic Version