Isa Qassim Citizenship Revoked

The Interior Ministry stated Monday that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to fight extremism, including taking action against those individuals who pledge allegiance to foreign religious or political

entities. This includes organizations as well as individuals that violate peaceful coexistence, promote political sectarianism or act against the constitution, the law and the state based on sect.

It was therefore decided that the nationality of Isa Ahmed Qassim will be revoked.  Ever since Isa Qassim was given Bahraini citizenship, he has formed groups that follow foreign religious ideologies and political entities and has played a key role in fostering extremism and sectarianism in Bahrain.

Qassim endorses the theory of theocracy and supported this ideology in his sermons and fatawas.  He used places of worships as a political arena to serve foreign interests and maintained an environment supportive of violence and extremism.  He made religious decisions via ongoing interactions with foreign organisations and groups who work against Bahrain.  He also used his religious platform to raise funds illegally.

On many occasions, Isa Qassim contravened the law, including by attempting to affect the elections with fatawas encouraging people to boycott the democratic process thereby giving up their rights as citizens of Bahrain.   He was also active in the selection of candidates and linked political participation to his religious

speeches.  He failed to abide by legal regulations and norms in society and promoted groups that hinder the issuing of the second part of the family law (the Jaffary section).

Isa Qassim has consistently failed to uphold the basic responsibilities required of any Bahraini citizen, including disrespecting rights and harming the supreme interests of the country. In accordance with the nationality law of Bahrain, his nationality will be revoked under article 10 of point C that states: “Citizenship of Bahrain may be deprived if the person causes harm to the security of the State,” hence in according to a presentation by His Excellency Interior Minister, the cabinet approved the withdrawal of the nationality of Isa Ahmed Qassim.

The Interior Ministry stated that the security of Bahrain and the safety of its people are the government"s overriding priorities. Citizenship gives individuals rights but also includes responsibilities that should be respected.  No one is above the law or legal accountability.

Ministry of Interior
20 June 2016