Freedom-seekers Release Precondition for Dialogue with Al Khalifa

Bahrain’s senior Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassem said the main move that will pave the way for dialogue with the country’s ruling regime is the release of freedom-seekers held in prisons.

Ayatollah Qassem made the remark while delivering his Friday prayers sermons at Imam Sadeq (AS) Mosque in Manama on January 17, adding that reform comes with certain moves including the release of freedom-seekers.

He said the tone of the media in Bahrain should also change because some of the media spread hatred in society.

 The senior cleric underlined that the crisis in Bahrain will not be resolved unless the nation’s demands are met.

He said ceremonial and shallow reforms based on dividing people into two groups of supporters and opponents will not help to resolve the crisis.

Bahrain has been the scene of demonstrations since mid-February 2011. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters have staged numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa family to relinquish power.

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