Bahrain Postpones Verdict in Case Involving More Than 60 Shia Religious Scholars Until November 22 Country: Bahrain Location: Manama Category: Islamic World | Middle East | Human Rights Event Date: November 8, 2026 Publication Date: November 8, 2026 Next Verdict Date: November 22, 2026 A Bahraini court has postponed the announcement of its verdict in a major case involving dozens of Shia religious scholars and other religious figures until November 22, 2026. The ruling had been expected on November 8. The postponement was reported by regional media following Sunday's court session. Dozens of Religious Figures Face Charges The case involves 69 defendants, according to figures cited by human rights organisations, including dozens of Shia clerics and religious figures. The arrests began in May 2026 and continued into June, amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict involving Iran and Gulf countries. Bahraini authorities have accused some defendants of involvement in activities linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and alleged threats to national security. The allegations have not been established as judicial findings. Human Rights Organisations Raise Fair-Trial Concerns International human rights organisations have expressed concern about the legal proceedings. A joint statement published on November 6 by Amnesty International and other organisations raised allegations of torture, coerced confessions, restrictions on access to lawyers and other due-process concerns. These allegations require independent investigation and should not be treated as established findings. Bahrain Rejects Religious Targeting Allegations Bahraini authorities have defended their actions as necessary national security measures. The country's public security chief has stated that the measures are directed against activities considered threats to national sovereignty, rather than the Shia community as a whole. New Verdict Date: November 22 The court's decision to postpone the verdict means the defendants and their families will have to wait another two weeks for the next announced decision date. The proceedings remain closely watched by human rights organisations, religious communities and international observers. The next hearing on November 22 is expected to be an important development in the case. Islam Global News – Gulf & Human Rights Desk Editorial Verification: The postponement is reported by Alhurra and Manama Post on November 8, 2026. The number of defendants and allegations concerning detention conditions are attributed to human rights organisations. The authorities' national security position is presented separately.