Religious freedom conditions in Bahrain are mostly stable, trending positive in some areas but remaining the same in others. The government generally allows freedom of worship for religious minorities, but continues its ongoing and systematic discrimination against some Shi’a Muslims. While they are generally free to worship, Shi’a Bahrainis have long faced difficulties in such areas as employment, political representation, freedom of expression, promotion within the military and mosque construction.

Source: A bishop performs Friday evening mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manama, REUTERS / Mohammed

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