Bahrain Mirror (Associated Press): The Associated Press reported that supporters on Wednesday said prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, who lost his citizenship and remains under house arrest in Bahrain, has returned to a local hospital for surgery.

Sheikh Isa Qassim had left his house on Wednesday.

Sheikh Maytham Al-Salman of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights said Sheikh Isa will undergo a hernia surgery. Sheikh Qassim was admitted to the hospital in December 2017 as well.

AP further stated that the Shiite cleric could be deported at any time after authorities stripped his citizenship in mid-2016 over accusations that he fueled extremism and laundered money. His supporters deny the allegations.

The ruling Sunni family in Bahrain has been cracking down on dissent in the predominantly Shia Gulf island by imprisoning or deporting politicians and activists.

Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet.

Arabic Version