Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): The Bahraini people did not wait until February 14, 2017, which marks the 2011 uprising anniversary, to make a statement to the world, the Al Khalifa regime and its allies, stressing on their determination to achieve freedom and a dignified life. This time, the people even voiced their readiness to die defending their spiritual leader Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, who to them represents their pride and national demands.

Tens of thousands of Bahrainis took to the streets across the country, wearing white shrouds. Mass protests were staged in over 50 areas on Sunday night (January 29, 2017), marking an extraordinary revolutionary day reflecting the people's perseverance and adherence to their rights and legitimate demands. It was an eventful day, similar to February 14, 2011 and March 9, 2012, which will be added to a list of many exceptional days, during which the people of Bahrain took firm and decisive stances.

There was no need to wait for February 14. The people spoke their word- the uprising remains alive and their demands still stand. They declared that they shall continue to wear their white shrouds, raise their peaceful fists and chant at the top of their lungs to express their willingness to carry on the revolution and stand against tyranny, the sectarian rule and discrimination based on race and tribal affiliation.

The people spoke their word- they stand with the principle that the people are the source of any government power, with the demands of the martyrs' families who seek justice for the spilled blood of the innocent, with the suffering and persecuted dissent in this country, with those who have been campaigning for 50 years peacefully, with Sheikh Isa Qassim, who is a guarantee for peace and stability, and a national figure who worked since the independence on establishing the country from all the Bahraini elite, since the Constituent Assembly, the 1973 Parliament and the prolonged bitter struggle throughout decades of an imposed state security law, and then reached out an honest hand to achieve true reconciliation, called for effective meaningful political representation and parliamentary participation, until he stood with the February 14 uprising and the people's legitimate demands to this moment. Sheikh Isa invariably stressed on the adherence to peaceful means of protest despite the government's painful crackdown and persecution. He endured all the threats and strikes against him, leading up to the imposed siege on his home, the revocation of his nationality and his trial over charges related to the Shiite religious obligatory ritual of Khums (alms).

For all this, Bahrainis from all walks of life, men, women and children wore their white shrouds and marched through the streets to announce that their country has reached a slippery slope. They flooded the streets to save their country. They chanted with all their hearts, hoping that the ruling family, who is occupied with importing mercenaries and experts in torture and suppression, would somehow heed their voices.

Tens of thousands of Bahrainis spoke their word very clearly, stating that they will continue to be peaceful despite the regime's brutality. The people took a historic courageous stance as did the youth Mostafa Hamdan, who was injured in the attack on the Diraz open rally- who confronted the regime's gunfire refusing to back down.

The people did not wear their white shrouds to take them off. They declared that they will continue to defend Sheikh Isa Qassim until the death, as they deem this a national, religious and existential duty.

Arabic Version