Twenty human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, say Bahrain’s mass trial of 69 defendants, 60 of them Shia clerics, is marred by torture allegations and fair trial violations. The verdict was postponed to Nov. 22.

SMF is deeply alarmed by reports that Bahraini authorities have arrested Shia preachers, reciters and mourning organizers over the annual Fatimiyya commemorations, and is monitoring the situation. Rights groups have documented a wider crackdown on Shia religious practice.

SMF met with Congressman Jamie Raskin on Capitol Hill to discuss FBI coordination for mosque security across Maryland, joined by a representative from UMAA.