Bahraini Opposition Leader Pledges to Continue Struggle for Democracy
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The secretary general of Bahrain’s main opposition party, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, underlined that he will continue his peaceful efforts to help restore democracy to the tiny Persian Gulf island country.
In a message to his family ahead of the second anniversary of his detention by the Al Khalifa regime, Sheikh Ali Salman emphasized that he will keep on struggling for the realization of democracy and freedom in the Arab country.
The top Shiite cleric further expressed confidence that with the grace of God, “the dear and resistant nation” of Bahrain will emerge victorious.
Sheikh Salman also thanked all those who supported efforts aimed at restoring democracy and realizing freedom and equality in the kingdom.
On December 12, Bahrain’s appeals court ruled to uphold a nine-year prison term imposed on Sheikh Salman, despite widespread criticism both at home and abroad against his imprisonment.
Sheikh Salman was arrested in December 2014 on charges of attempting to overthrow the Manama regime and collaborating with foreign powers. He denies the charges, saying he has merely been seeking reforms in the country through peaceful means.
Bahrain, a close ally of the US in the Persian Gulf, has been witnessing almost daily protests against the ruling Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, with Manama using heavy-handed measures in an attempt to crush the demonstrations.
Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the peaceful demonstrations.
Amnesty International and many other international rights organizations have frequently censured the Bahraini regime for the rampant human rights abuses against opposition groups and anti-regime protesters.
