(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Seven others were handed down jail terms ranging from two to 15 years. Six of those that received 15-year jail terms did not appeal their sentences. We have conducted an interview with Hussain Abdulla, a human rights activist in Alabama, to further talk over the issue. Below is the text of the interview: Q: First of all, I would like to get your initial reaction to the sentences. Does it surprise you at all? Abdulla: Thank you for having me. It definitely does not surprise me. I expected exactly the same outcome because the Bahraini government strongly believes that the only way that they are going to get out of the political quagmire that they put themselves in is through security by showing strength and showing that they are going to crackdown on everyone that shows any dissent those brave political leaders stood their ground and did not back off from their original demand and that is freedom and justice for Bahrain. Q: What does this mean for the revolution in Bahrain, because it does seem like the regime is trying to send a very strong message to the protesters? Will these fear tactics work? Abdulla: No, actually these sentences are nothing but more fuel into the revolution and we have seen in recent days that the revolution is taking a new turn, much strong turn, towards positive peaceful protests, peaceful tactics that is putting the government into a very much difficult position that cannot get out of. These sentences show that the people are winning; that the people are not backing down because the protests are increasing every single night; every single day there is a protest and also traffic jams, these new methods that the people are coming up with in Bahrain to basically jam the capital [Manama] and major cities in Bahrain in solidarity with the political leaders who were sentenced and really [oppressed] according to an important UN commissionaire for human rights. Q: Condemnation is pouring in, mainly from rights groups but countries that do have influence over the regime are remaining silent. How is this going to affect, if at all, the fate of these opposition leaders? Abdulla: The people of Bahrain are not waiting for help from the United States or from Great Britain or from Germany or other countries. They started this revolution from within as an indigenous movement towards democracy and justice and freedom for all and they are going to continue this revolution without their help. However, the moral responsibility and the ethical policy or the ethical [stance] should make these countries take into consideration their relationship with Bahrain.
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