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Bahrain’s al-Wefaq slams regime violence, urges more protests

Tuesday, 14 February 2017 7:00 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 14 February 2017 7:31 PM ]

The file photo shows the headquarters of Bahrain's main Shia opposition group, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, in the Bilad al-Qadim district, west of the capital, Manama.

Bahrain’s main Shia opposition group, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, has denounced violent measure taken by Manama regime against peaceful protesters, calling for the continuation of rallies in the Persian Gulf country.

According to Arabic-language Bahrain Mirror news website, al-Wefaq’s Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Hussein al-Daihi on Tuesday urged negotiations under the supervision of the United Nations and a referendum in the island.

Daihi also accused the Al Khalifah regime of having violated all political, civil and religious rights of the citizens, who are seeking their legitimate rights.

He further appreciated the people’s patience, resistance and sacrifice inspired by al-Wefaq’s spiritual leader, Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim.

The Bahraini regime has taken measures to cover up its crimes, but such moves have all failed, the al-Wefaq official said, noting that the financial and political support provided by the regime’s allies has also had no results.

On July 17, 2016, the Bahraini High Administrative Court ordered the dissolution of al-Wefaq and the seizure of its funds, drawing widespread criticism.

Clashes erupt in protests marking revolution anniversary

Also on Tuesday, demonstrators clashed with police in the Bahraini capital and neighboring villages.

A female Bahraini protester holding a photo of Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim, and another protester confront riot police armored personnel carrier during a demonstration to mark the 6th anniversary of the February 14 uprising, in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, Bahrain February 14, 2017. (Photo by Reuters)

The protests were held to mark the 6th anniversary of a popular uprising in the country.

Witnesses said Tuesday’s rallies were brutally suppressed by the authorities.

Chanting slogans such as "Revolution until victory" and "No forgetting the martyrs," many of the protesters held up pictures of those killed in the 2011 crackdown.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at the demonstrators in the capital Manama.

Anti-regime protesters burn tires and block a road as police armored personnel carrier arrives during a protest to mark the 6th anniversary of February 14 uprising in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, Bahrain February 14, 2017. (Photo by Reuters)

Bahrain has been the scene of almost daily demonstrations against the Al Khalifah rule over the past six years.

Protesters are demanding that the ruling dynasty relinquish power and allow a just system representing all Bahrainis to be established.

The regime in Manama has spared no effort to clamp down on dissidents and rights activists. Scores of people have lost their lives and thousands of others have ended behind bars during the suppression campaign.

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