My dear brothers and sisters,
I’ve been willing to address you since my release to express to you my thanks and gratitude for the great support I have received from you.. I am humbled in front of your great sacrifices for the sake of this beloved country .. And I feel the weight of responsibility incumbent upon me towards you .. I have been isolated from the outside world, and for a long period of time. And when I came out of detention I felt the need for some time to study the consequences of the current stage before directing any speech.. I apologize for this disconnection during this previous period and I believe that it is now time to address you.
At the outset, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to whomever that supported my case and participated in the events demanding my release and for my other brothers and sisters in detention.. I appreciate all the attention my case has received by the media agents, human rights activists, diplomats, politicians and local and international organizations. I would also like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the role that my family has played and specially my dear wife, the mother of Ahmed and Sarah. I would also like to thank the legal team, and everyone who volunteered to communicate with various local and international authorities. And thank everyone who expressed solidarity on social networking sites from within Bahrain and abroad, and everyone who participated in the sit-ins demanding the release of myself and the rest of my detained brothers and sisters .. I was surprised by the level of public and international interest in my detention and trial, and the great hospitality that I was received upon at the day of my release. Therefore I find myself facing a great responsibility to fullfill towards all those loyal aspirants admiring a state that enjoys freedom, justice and development.
I would like to pay my condolences to the families of the martyrs who gave their blood cheap for this country and I console my brothers and sisters in detention and their families and all of those of who are suffering disabilities as a result of torture or injury caused by the security forces or inability to receive proper treatment in time. I would also like to express my condolences for all those who have been dismissed from their jobs or their rightful studies, and hindered the development of their career paths .. I pay special condolences and respects for each of whom that have received pressure to mention my name in their confessions. I would also like to direct exclusive condolences to the family of the deceased Ali Saqer, who mentioned my name in the registry and the televised broadcast after his death in prison and whom his body revealed obvious signs of torture.
The pressure of detention did not change my conviction in the need for political reform,and necessary efforts need to continue towards building a modern state where justice prevails, equality and pluralism, which ensures the rights of minorities and coexistence between different communities and races. We will continue efforts to build a safe state for all Bahrainis, in which they can secure their day to day needs. A state where young people receive adequate education and training, where equal opportunities are available for the hard-workers aiming a career growth in a market where competitions are fair among all. Our demands are very basic, we request a state where Bahrainis are the source of authorities that can determine their own fate. A State where citizens are equal before the law and everyone has the right to practice his beliefs and to express his opinion without insulting anyone. A State where it’s wealth is in controllership of it’s people, so that it would be reflected on the infrastructure and on social welfare programs, housing , education and health. A State that employs its resources to attract foreign investments to create job opportunities and move the wheel of economy and at the midst of these resources are the Bahraini humans which was the subject of a tribute and appreciation of each of those who visited Bahrain during the demands for political reform.
We were and are still committed as peaceful in the demands, and this approach is not to be diverted from. In this context we should be aware that just as the tyranny has obligations and responsibilities, the same applies to the oppressed as he has ethics to stand up to. Our actual victory is not through winning materialistic gains that fades out behind the well-being associated with the desired reforms. The victory is deeper than that. Victory in my opinion, is the success to be attached to the values and ideals throughout the darkest circumstances and the obligation towards the tolerant teachings of our religion, love and brotherhood, tolerance and virtue .. And renunciation of violence and abstain from spreading feelings of hatred against anyone who tries to block reform efforts. The summit of virtue have to shed for human values in the upper peak of emotion.
We should not forget , in the joints of our political work, to evoke the pain and suffering of those who gave sacrifices. These difficult circumstances has proved the true authenticity of Bahrainis. Bahrainis have shown high levels of solidarity and interdependence, and patience that have been bet on. Manifestations of solidarity with the families of martyrs and detainees and wounded, and discharged through the material and moral support must continue ..
The bet of some of the passive characters is on spreading despair and hopelessness in the future, this may lead some youth to refrain from the path of excellence. Here, I want to bring hope in God Almighty that he would not forget you and that your self trust should not be shaken as well as your ability to overcome all the concerns of despair with more determination and persistence to succeed. Narrowing your livelihood through dismissals and delay of promotions and discrimination in employment, are failed attempts to eliminate you from community. You will find dozens of alternative opportunities when you think about the establishment of small businesses based on creativity and innovation and exploiting the opportunities available through the benefit of all official and community-based programs. There was for all the efforts of marginalization and exclusion in the past a reverse effect. We are relying on you that this new phase will be empowering you with more determination towards success and excellence.
I renew my thanks and appreciation to you and my pride in you, I ask God for stability and success to meet your expectation. Your brother .. Matar Matar
/106