Bahrain: This February 14th, Celebrate Love or Mourn Tragedy?

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Many reasons lend themselves to the significance of February 14th. Some celebrate it as Valentine’s Day. They wear red, give chocolates roses, and exchange acts of compassion. Those who celebrate Valentine’s Day use it as the day to show their love and care towards one another.In the other parts of the world, thousands of people demand their freedom and rights. February 14th is the anniversary of the Arab Spring in Bahrain. This year, Bahrainis commemorate the second anniversary of their protest. Two years ago, on this very important day, many came to streets showing their dissatisfaction towards authorities who have suppressed them throughout history. Protesters carried flowers as sign of peace; they demanded freedom, security, equality and democracy. However, the government responded to the peaceful assembly with bullets, gun shots, and tear gas. Although media outlets stopped covering human rights violations in Bahrain, protesters have not stopped demanding their rightful requests. During the past two years of protest in Bahrain, many were arrested, and tortured. They fled from their homes and many lost their lives, yet they did not stop striving for their freedom.This year, on February 14, 2013 the peaceful protest was responded in acts of violence by government authorities again, resulting in the death of a teenage boy.As we celebrate love and compassion in western societies, our humanitarian cognizance remind us to care for those who grieve in the Middle East. We have to show the suppressed Shia Muslim of Bahrain that we care for them, love them and are working toward their freedom. We advocate for their rights, we raise their voice to the world and we report Bahraini governments’ human rights violations.Shia Rights Watch/129