AhlulBayt News Agency

source : PressTV
Saturday

12 May 2012

5:51:00 AM
314550

Top Bahraini Shia cleric 'Isa Qassim' urges end to Manama crackdown

Top Bahraini cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim has condemned the Saudi-backed regime's heavy-handed crackdown on protesters, urging the Manama government to halt attacks on its people.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Top Bahraini cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim has condemned the Saudi-backed regime's heavy-handed crackdown on protesters, urging the Manama government to halt attacks on its people.

Addressing hundreds of Bahrainis attending Friday Prayers in the village of Diraz, the senior cleric said that Manama’s continued practice of using force against protesters could not end the legitimate calls for reforms and change.

He also urged the regime to stop tactics of intimidation, detention and killing of demonstrators.

Following the sermon, Bahraini protesters took to the streets, calling for the release of political prisoners and a stop to acts of violence against the people in Bahrain.

The rally came a day after Saudi-backed Bahraini troops attacked several anti-government demonstrations across the country.

Bahrainis have been staging demonstrations since mid-February 2011, demanding political reform and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

Scores of people have been killed and many others have been injured in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bahrain.

Bahrainis have vowed to continue their street protests until their demands are met.

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