Jailed Opposition Leader Urges Bahrainis to Continue Popular Uprising
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of Bahrain’s largest opposition party called on Bahraini people to continue their uprising until the objectives of the revolution are realized.
Secretary General of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society Sheikh Ali Salman, who is in jail on vague charges, in a message from prison said the peaceful movement of Bahraini people should continue, adding that it is the only way by which the revolution’s goals can be realized and the rightful demands of the people can be met.
The senior cleric also underlined the need for marking the 4th anniversary of the start of Bahrain’s revolution on February 14.
The uprising in Bahrain started on February 14, 2011. The Manama regime has used heavy-handed measures to crush the peaceful protests.
Protesters initially called for political reforms and a constitutional monarchy. However, the demand later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests.
Many Bahrainis have been tortured or killed and hundreds more injured and arrested during the regime’s ongoing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
Sheikh Salman was arrested on December 27 after long hours of investigation over alleged anti-regime incitements.
The 49-year-old cleric is charged with “promoting regime change by force, threats, and illegal means, and of insulting the Interior Ministry publicly”.
The first session of Sheikh Salman Salman’s trial was held on January 28. The trial was reportedly adjourned to February 25.
