Bahrain opposition parties: Al Marzooq is a prisoner of conscience, must be immediately released

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The National Democratic Opposition Parties in Bahrain issued a statement ahead of the trial of Khalil Al Marzooq, the Political Assistant of Al-Wefaq’s Secretary-General, and which will start in a couple of days. Al Marzooq’s trial comes with the attacks on and attempts to contain political activism in Bahrain, and is a punitive measure against the opposition’s political positions and that has repeatedly assured its absolute refusal to all kinds of violence, the statement said.Al Marzooq is a prisoner of conscience and opinion, the opposition parties added, and his trial is void and is an extension of the trials of the opposition figures and human right defenders during the state of emergency. Today, the chapters of “political persecution” as described by HCHR Ms. Navi Pillay continue in these trials.“Al Marzooq’s trial and detention is a significant indicator of the regime’s vengeful manner with anyone who stands in the face of its violence, use of force and disruptive projects. Al Marzooq was one of the main constructors of the opposition parties’ Nonviolence Principles Declaration. This is why he was arrested and is now facing aggressive accusations like “calling for violence”, and that are used to punish dissidents for their opinions and nonviolent political positions”, the Parties stated.“The world is closely watching the conflict in Bahrain between those demanding democracy and social justice on one side, and the dictatorship, tyranny and sectarian discrimination on the other side. It is also following, with concern expressed in the statements and condemnations issued by various organizations and world capitals on the size of violations and aggression to dissent, as well as the Government’s readiness to twist facts in attempt to reach its desire to bury the nationwide demands.“The Bahraini people will not abandon their right to peaceful protest because this is a strategic approach of the opposition and this people have been known for its renunciation of violence and terrorism. The people are fully convinced and persistent to end the control of a group over all resources and make the people the source of all powers”.The National Democratic Opposition Parties demand the Bahraini Authorities to immediately release Khalil Al Marzooq and all prisoners of conscience and opinion in Bahrain. The Bahraini regime must live up to the pledges it has made before the international community, especially the implementation of the recommendations of both the UN Human Rights Council and the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.Manama- October 21st, 2013The National Democratic Opposition Parties in BahrainAl-Wefaq National Islamic Society (Wefaq)National Democratic Action Society (Waad)National Democratic Gathering Society (Qawmi)Unitary National Democratic Assemblage (Wahdawy)Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomy)/129