Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Bahraini senior clerics issued a joint appeal on Wednesday (June 10, 2015) demanding the release of Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary-General of Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, and that his innocence be announced, while stressing that he is "an advocate of reform, unity and love, and not an advocate of a coup d'état, division nor disorder."

The clerics saw that releasing Sheikh Ali Salman is a popular demand and that such a step "will effectively contribute to establishing a phase of openness and understanding towards producing a real resolution which can save this country from its crises."

The Following is the text of the statement:

In the name of Allah, the most Merciful

A Clerical Appeal

Amid the worrying situation, difficult challenges, and serious risks at this time in the region, and in order to produce a unified popular stance to confront the projects of violence, extremism and terrorism, and for the sake of the security and stability of the homeland, we announce this appeal.

We demand [the authorities] to stop the trial of Sheikh Ali Salman, the Secretary General of Al Wefaq, release him and declare his acquittal; especially as the merits of conviction are weak and irrelevant, and his innocence is unquestionable.

Salman's course of action, along with his frank speeches clearly define him as an advocate of reform, unity and love, and not an advocate of a coup d'état, division nor disorder.

In this appeal that is devoted for this country, and that supports its security, unity and harmony of its citizens, we believe that a step in this direction will effectively contribute to establishing a phase of openness and understanding towards producing a real resolution which can save this country from its crises.

Any step to mitigate the aggravation factors [of the crises] is necessary and will reflect political maturity. We have no doubt that the release of Sheikh Ali Salman is a popular demand, as the people and all sincere parties in Bahrain are not convinced about the justifications given to prosecute Sheikh Ali Salman. These alleged justifications have been criticized by international human rights organizations. We need not to discuss them, since the defense panel has had its say.

It is worth note that the effects, tensions and complications the our current period make it necessary to put an end to this trial and release Sheikh Ali Salman, because he is innocent and his acquittal will express good intentions of finding a real solution which can provide security, stability, love and harmony among all Bahrainis. This step will contribute to countering violence, extremism and terrorism acts.

It is a must not to forget other prisoners of conscience, including political figures, activists and detainees from all factions. Addressing this issue is also a part of a comprehensive solution to the this country's crisis.

May Allah protect this country and its people from hazards, problems and schemes.
Sayed Jawad Al-Wedaie
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qasim
Sayed Abdulla Al-Ghuraifi
Sheikh Abdulhussain Al-Sitri
Sheikh Mohammed Saleh Al-Rabeeie
Wednesday, 10 June, 2015

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