Rights groups say the charges were brought on because the clerics did not vocally support the severance of diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Vikundi vya Haki za binadamu vinasema kuwa mashitaka yao yaliletwa kwa sababu Wahubiri hao hawakuunga mkono kwa maneno  Saudi Arabia kuvunja ushirika wake wa kibiashara na wa kidiplomasia na Qatar na washirika wake.