Bahrainis demand release of Sheikh Salman in fresh rallies
Hundreds of demonstrators in Bahrain have taken to the streets across the Persian Gulf country in a show of protest against the continued imprisonment of prominent cleric and opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman.
Protesters staged a rally in the village of al-Musalla, west of the capital, Manama, demanding the freedom of Salman, who is the 49-year-old secretary general of Bahrain’s main opposition bloc, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.
The marchers, carrying portraits of Salman and Bahrain’s national flags, also urged the authorities to release all political prisoners currently being held in Al Khalifa regime’s jails and take heed of public demands for democracy.
They further called on the Manama government to respect the basic rights of its people, and strive for their dignity.
People also held a similar demonstration in the village of Bilad al-Qadeem, located on the outskirts of Manama, calling for Salman’s immediate release.
Salman was detained last December on charges that included seeking regime change and collaborating with foreign powers. He denied the charges during his first court hearing in late January.
His arrest has triggered condemnation inside and outside Bahrain, with leaders, governments and international organizations across the world calling for his immediate release.
Salman’s trial, initially scheduled for April 22, has been adjourned until May 20.
Last month, Amnesty International called on the Bahraini regime to release all political prisoners.
Since mid-February 2011, thousands of anti-regime protesters have held numerous demonstrations on the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa family to relinquish power.
Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
MP/HJL/MHB
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