Bahrain Mirror: Al-Wasat Bahraini Newspaper said that a number of shops near the main street in Diraz have been largely damaged by the security measures (security besiege) taken by the authorities after the open rally was held in front of Sheikh Isa Qassim's house, protesting against his citizenship revocation.

The newspaper added that all these shops are suffering from a sharp decline in their sales and submitted an official notice to the security authorities. Meanwhile, some owners decided to close their shops. However, others are thinking about this option "amid the sharp decline in sales and as the shops are committed to paying monthly rents and salaries and other commitments. Shop owners are appealing to find a solution for their suffering."

Baqer Darwish, owner of one of the shops located near Diraz's main entrance, said "one of the security check points is very close to my shop. My sales have declined by 90%. I submitted a notice to the security authorities and explained the damages I am suffering, asking them to move the check point away from my shop. The authorities, for their part, promised me to solve my problem. Nothing have changed until now."

The newspaper further stated "owner of the most famous Turkish Men's hair salon located in front of Diraz's main entrance decided to close his shop and return to his country after the authorities blocked Diraz's entrances and did not allow the entry of citizens from outside the village."

For his part, Abdulrazzak Al-Dirazi, who owns a car accessories shop told the newspaper "I decided to close my shop until further notice so that I don't lose more. The shop owner will ask me to pay the monthly rent and workers will ask for their salaries."

Mahdi Msallam, owner of a travel and tourism office, stated "I am suffering heavy losses. The shutting down of the Internet at the night in Diraz embarrasses me with my customers especially that my shop depends on the Internet. Besides, the security check point situated near my shop hinders customers from outside Diraz."

Arabic Version