The last similar case involving a Shi'ite Bahraini occurred in 1996. Bahrain says Shi'ite neighbour Iran is supporting violence in the kingdom in a bid to widen its influence, a charge Tehran denies. Mass "Arab Spring" demonstrations in 2011 that were led by Shi'ites were crushed by the authorities with help from its Gulf Arab neighbours, deepening sectarian rivalry in the region. It is the most heinous crime committed by the government of Bahrain and a shame upon its rulers ... This act is a security threat to Bahrain and the entire region," said Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei of the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.

Source: Egypt Independent January 15, 2017 14:18 UTC