Bahrain Mirror: A number of Bahraini Shiite clerics organized an assembly on Saturday (July 23, 2016), voicing their solidarity with Sheikh Isa Qassim and protesting against the revocation of his citizenship, as well as the campaign targeting the Shiite sect in its beliefs and religious rituals.

"We are facing a serious challenge that aims at putting an end to the hopes, dignity, freedom and just demands of this people," said Sayyed Majeed Al-Mashaal in his speech.

Al-Mashaal stressed that "this is a serious challenge, but at the same time a good opportunity since the other party did not cover itself and blatantly targeted the most prominent figure in the sect and its most important peculiarities, which puts us in the strong position to defend ourselves."

"We shall not be frustrated; we shall not feel weak no matter how serious the targeting was. The targeting may unite us to defend our religion, leader, figures and existence," Al-Mashaal further stated.

"We said and reiterated that we are not willing to fight anyone. We are in a defensive position. All our people who took to the streets on February 2011 went out to demand their legitimate rights," he added.

"Thus, alas, instead of meeting the demands of the people, the authorities are punishing them with oppression, murder, torture, imprisonment, exile, economic deprivation and other oppressive means," Al-Mashaal noted.

It is noteworthy that this is the second stance of solidarity held this month. The clerics stressed in their first show of support that their fate is linked to that of Sheikh Qassim's, at the same time calling for putting an end to the blockade imposed on Diraz.

Arabic Version