Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain's most senior Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim has been taken to a hospital in critical condition, reports stated.

Human rights organizations said that Sheikh Isa Qassim, a leading opposition figures, suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Authorities allowed his family to transport him to a hospital of their choosing after they declined state-sanctioned medical care.

A court sentenced Sheikh Qassim in May to one year in prison with the suspension of sentence on charges  of collecting illegal funds and money laundering.

Qassim was stripped of his citizenship in 2016 on charges that include "serving foreign interests". He has been under de facto house arrest ever since.

The Bahraini opposition movement that started in Bahrain in 2011 demands an elected government, however, it with a harsh campaign by the authorities.

Dozens of prominent figures were arrested and opposing religious and secular groups were dissolved.

Besides, hundreds of people were revoked of their citizenships, according to Amnesty International.

Bahrain accuses Iran of supporting the protests and attempting to overthrow the regime. Tehran, however, denies the charges.

Arabic Version