Bilad Al-Qadeem, is also the hometown of Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary General of Al Wefaq opposition society.
Since his arrest on Sunday (27 December 2014), this area has witnessed nonstop protests. With every round of protest, security forces surround the area and shoot tear gas canisters, bird-shot pellets and rubber bullets at the protesters. The protesters take their positions again after every attack to march the streets chanting angry slogans to free Salman.
At least 4 protests take off every day as tear gas smoke covers the area. The forces forcefully contain the protests inside the residential areas by preventing them from moving to the streets. Tear gas canisters are weaponized by firing directly at the protesters bodies from close range. The forces also used their vehicles in attempts to run-over protesters. Many protesters were reported to have been wounded in the repression.
Sheikh Ali Salman is been held in remand for 7 days now after his arrest on Sunday. Al Wefaq said the arrest of its Secretary-General is arbitrary and violates freedom of expression. It also obstructs peaceful opposition activism and violates international standards, as stated by the UN OHCHR spokesperson. Salman is known for his nonviolent approach political activism and advocate of civil and political rights.
