The arrest by Bahraini authorities of opposition Shiite National Accord Association leader Sheikh Ali Salman highlights a pattern of political behavior that prevails in the Middle East and naturally leads to social collapse and religious extremism.
Sheikh Salman was detained primarily on charges of establishing contacts with Iraqi Shiite parties, but the charges are unconvincing and do not justify the arrest of someone like Salman, a significant political figure for a section of Bahraini society. Amnesty International called for his immediate, unconditional release, arguing, “The detention of Sheikh Ali Salman is a flagrant violation of his right to freedom of expression, association and assembly.” For its part, the United Nations demanded the release of the Bahraini opposition leader through the Human Rights Commission.