Bahrain Mirror: Thousands of Bahrainis took to the streets in several villages across Bahrain on Friday (July 8, 2016) under the slogan of "Sacrificing Friday" announcing their adherence to putting an end to Al Khalifa family's monopoly over power and condemning the sectarian practices against the Shia majority.

Protestors held photos for the spiritual leader of Shiite sect, Sheikh Isa Qassim, whom the king revoked his citizenship last month through a decree. The government's decision was met with outrageous reactions; locally and internationally, including America.

The protests marched several villages across Bahrain. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling on the king to leave and bearing him the responsibility of human rights violations and harassments practiced by authorities against Shiites religious rights.  

The Bahraini authorities prevented holding prayers in the largest mosque in Diraz, dissolved two religious societies and said it intends to control Al-Khums.

Responding to the revocation of Sheikh Qassim's citizenship, protestors held photos for Bahrain's king calling him to step down. They also wrote "the intruders and invaders shall leave and the indigenous people shall stay", in a reference to Al Khalifa who occupied the Island since over 200 years.

The authorities used shotgun pellets and tear gas against the protestors in Bilad Al-Qadeem, Sitra and Ma'ameer.

The protests come at a time when a crowded rally is still held in front of Sheikh Isa Qassim's house in Diraz, where protestors stress that they will not leave the place, threatening the authorities from the consequences of using violence.

Arabic Version