Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Years have passed since the majority of Bahraini citizens, demanding democracy and the release of political prisoners, have come to realize that the United States administration is truly aligned with the tyrannical regimes in the Gulf, and that it stands against the aspirations of the peoples of the region, including the people of Bahrain.

Activists have long been disappointed with the credibility of the US positions, so the announcement of the US Embassy on Saturday (September 18, 2021) via Twitter of its support for the Alternative Penal Code, was not a surprise to anyone.

A number of citizens, both men and women, responded to the US Embassy's tweet, in which it welcomed Bahrain's expansion of the Alternative Penal Code. In its tweet, the Embassy also confirmed US support for "the Kingdom of Bahrain's continued efforts to strengthen its judicial proceedings."

"Your welcome means that you support the arbitrary sentences against political detainees, and acknowledge the reality of the corrupt and unjust judiciary. In the near past, you were timidly denouncing the violations and today you are welcoming the acceptance of alternative violations," said Ibrahim Sarhan, a well-known legal adviser, addressing the embassy.

He stressed that "the unconditional release of political detainees is a humanitarian and moral duty."

Alya Radi, wife of opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman, replied to the embassy's tweet, saying that "Bahrain's detainees are prisoners of conscience and have the right to be unconditionally released. Your praise for alternative sanctions means that you are satisfied with this injustice against the people of Bahrain."

Prominent activist Jalila Al-Salman wondered: "What is the fundamental difference in the case of serving a sentence or leaving prison without rights? We've attended a lot of trials, and we've seen the reality, how can you feel innocent when you still have to be penalized? Is this justice to live with? What about fundamental rights?"

BFHR President Baqer Darwish addressed the embassy, saying: "Full freedom is an inherent right of all prisoners of conscience unconditionally and with redress for the violations that have occurred to them, and it is not surprising that you support resolutions that are the repercussions of an independent judiciary and security agencies involved in violations."

"It is difficult for the US Embassy in Bahrain to whitewash its image by supporting authoritarian power projects (alternative penal code) by supporting this illegal authority," said Haq spokesman Abdulghani Khanjar. "The United States has lost all its credibility and human rights values."

Former MP Jalal Fairooz also commented: "Your embassy should not sponsor tyranny and dictatorship. Bahrainis are suffocating and all their rights are violated. They are sentenced to death and imprisonment only for demanding democracy, freedom and justice. Therefore, the dictatorial regime should not be helped."

Twitter user Ali Al-Zaki also stated: "What is needed is to encourage serious dialogue and seek a real democratic political transition in Bahrain. Your role must not be negative and must not contribute to the escalation of injustice, violation of religious and political freedoms and denying citizens, you should stop your continued support for the sectarian clearance in Bahrain."

Arabic Version