In an undated image, Bahrainis can be seen raising placards and portraits, voicing their support during a rally held in solidarity with the hundreds of hunger striking prisoners at Jau prison on the island.
The united voices of Bahrainis echoed through the streets, underscoring their solidarity with the incarcerated hunger strikers in a notorious jail. This widespread demonstration of support took place across the island, marking a powerful display of unity and empathy.
The spirited rallies transpired on Thursday, as participants animatedly chanted slogans and upheld placards bearing poignant messages endorsing the inmates of Jau prison in the kingdom. This vocal expression of solidarity reverberated across the island, as Bahrainis united to shed light on the plight of these prisoners.
Thousands also gathered in front of the Bahraini Embassy located in Berlin, further showcasing the global reach of the movement.
This demonstration of support stems from the dire conditions that the hunger strikers are enduring within the confines of Jau prison. In a courageous act of protest, these prisoners launched their hunger strike earlier in the month, driven by their condemnation of inhumane treatment and unjust incarceration conditions.
The spark of this movement ignited on August 7, when two prison blocks at Jau initiated their hunger strike. The following day, an additional three blocks joined the protest, amplifying the voices of dissent. Notably, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, an exiled activist with the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, highlighted the urgency of the situation, reporting that several hunger strikers had already fallen unconscious due to the extreme conditions.
In a compelling statement released by the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, a prominent Bahraini opposition group, the prisoners expressed their motivation for undertaking this hunger strike. The prisoners cited the prison officials’ prohibition of religious worship and the imposition of grueling 23-hour lockdowns as their reasons for taking this bold step. Their collective act of defiance resonates as a symbol of their unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
On this same day, a resounding call came from Bahrain‘s most prominent cleric, Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, who rallied the entirety of the nation to rally behind the imprisoned hunger strikers. The cleric’s message was clear and impassioned, emphasizing the prisoners’ dedication to the cause of freedom and their unyielding resolve even under the harshest circumstances.
The al-Wefaq National Islamic Society has also urged Bahrainis to heed the call of the hunger strikers for support by participating in a sit-in on the following Friday. This collective action signifies the commitment of Bahrainis to stand with those who are courageously advocating for their rights.
For years, Bahrain has been marked by frequent demonstrations that have persisted since the inception of a popular uprising on February 14, 2011. The participants of these demonstrations are steadfast in their demand for the relinquishment of power by the ruling Al Khalifah regime. Instead, they yearn for a just system that truly represents the aspirations of all Bahrainis.
In response to the demands for social equality and justice, the Manama regime has opted for an oppressive approach, clamping down on any voices that dare to dissent. The hunger strikers’ resilience and the resounding support from fellow Bahrainis serve as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of justice and human rights, even in the face of adversity. As Bahrainis join hands and voices, their unity becomes a force for change, echoing through the alleys and streets, transcending borders and barriers.