(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - HOLY CTY OF NAJAF, Iraq: All the four grand Maraje of holy city of Najaf i.e. Sayed Ali al-Husseini As-Sistani, Sayed Muhammad Said al-Hakim, Sheikh Hafiz Bashir An-Najafi and Shiekh Ishaq Al-Fayad have strongly condemned massacre of Bahraini protesters at the hands of Bahraini security forces backed by Saudi-led Gulf forces of a joint Peninsula Shield contingent urging for dialogue to solve the problem.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's office issued a statement that all religious seminaries in the holy city of Najaf will be remain closed on Saturday in solidarity with the people of Bahrain and to protest against the massacres and atrocities of innocent people by Saudi and Bahraini forces.
Grand Ayatollah Sistani had earlier made an urgent appeal to Bahraini authorities to stop the violence against unarmed citizens and expressed grave concern followed by the Bahraini government in recent days.
Ayatollah Sayed Muhammad Said Al-Hakim, in his statement said he was surprised that the Bahraini government called Gulf forces to crush the protesters. He praised the refusal of some gulf states to participate in the continued operation against Bahraini protesters. The Ayatollah called on international and regional organizations to understand their responsibility towards Bahraini people.
Ayatollah Sheikh Ishaq Al-Fayad strongly condemned Saudi and Emirati intervention in Bahrain calling Bahraini people not to go out from peaceful path in demanding their rights.
He further denounced Arab League that demanded from western states and UN to pressurize Libyan government in defense of its people while she drives her eyes back from violence in Bahrain that is duplicity.
In a statement from his office, Ayatollah Bashir an-Najafi said: "We were surprised that the Bahraini government asked for forces from neighboring countries, who targeted villages and oppressed the unarmed people who had raised slogans of peace, and were targeted by gunfire and mortars."
"We condemn this irresponsible act," Najafi said.
He further demanded from the government to save blood, honor and money and avoid sectarian violence.
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