Bahrain Mirror: Baqer Darwish, president of Bahrain Forum for Human Rights, stressed that the Bahraini opposition respects the Lebanese state and its laws, and confirmed that the two events that will be organized by Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society and February 14 Coalition will be held at Risalat Hall, in Lebanon, on February 14 and 15.

He said in a statement to Al-Mayadeen Channel that the Bahraini opposition "works every year on the February 14 anniversary in several capitals to commemorate this occasion," adding that "this is not the first time the opposition organizes these events in Lebanon. These events aim at reminding the Arab and international public opinion of the political crisis in Bahrain. Such a measure is free political advertisement for these events."

"What is happening shows the extent to which the security state has grown in Bahrain, a country disturbed by any event, even if held outside the country, a country that does not accept such activities either inside or outside its borders. What Bahrain is doing summarizes our effort to explain the demands of Bahrainis for freedom," he explained.

The Lebanese Interior Minister issued directives banning Bahraini opposition from holding two events at Al-Saha Hotel. The hotel administration later called the parties who booked the hall and apologized for canceling both of the seminars.

On January 9, Al-Wefaq launched a report entitled "An Epidemic of Violations" and said that it documents the human rights violations in Bahrain from 2019 until mid of 2021.

As a result, the Bahraini government sent a strongly-worded notice to the Lebanese government regarding hosting the press conference. Thus, the Lebanese Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, sent a letter to the Directorate of General Security requesting that measures be taken to deport all non-Lebanese members of Al-Wefaq society.

Arabic Version