Public Prosecution orders detention of sermon speaker for incitement and contempt

Manama, The Deputy Chief of the Northern Governorate Prosecution has announced that the Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of a sermon speaker (khatib) pending investigation for inciting hatred against a sect in the community and contempt for its rituals. The Public Prosecution received a report from the Northern Governorate Security Directorate indicating that the khatib delivered a sermon at a gathering, which included derogatory remarks against a particular sect. The khatib publicly insulted the sect and demeaned its rituals. Upon receiving the report, the Public Prosecution immediately began an investigation. A video of the sermon was reviewed, confirming the khatib's derogatory and contemptuous remarks. The khatib was questioned and confronted with the video, to which he admitted delivering the sermon and its content. Consequently, the khatib was ordered to be detained pending further investigation. The Public Prosecution emphasised that while freedom of expression is protected, it must no t violate religious principles, infringe on the freedom of belief, or violate the rights of others. Freedom of expression should not be exploited to incite sectarian strife, and any breach of these limits is subject to criminal liability to ensure the protection and stability of society, the statement added. Source: Bahrain News Agency