1.1: Speaking about an accurate and objective diagnosis of the political reality could seem hard, yet necessary for reforming this reality and resolving the crisis-hit situation in a correct and realistic way. It is everyone’s right to disagree with this diagnosis, and to actually express disagreement with it, whether slightly or significantly. However, no one has the right to prevent a person from thinking, believing and diagnosing reality as they wish. And this is exactly what I did in this plea as a way to save my right to defense and freedom of expression, in accordance with the constitution and the international conventions.
1.2: This plea does not handle issues personally, but it rather tackles general issues. It does not mention names, unless the narration of events requires so.
1.3: My story and lawsuit mentioned in this plea are but a (small) sample and example of a nation’s suffering in an unjust reality. This nation dreams of justice and quality and longs to get rid of all forms of corruption.
1.4: I bear Allah as my witness to the love I hold to all the spectrums of this country, and to all the people, including those considered our political foes. That love fills my heart and sides. I swear that the dream I am pursuing and the goal I am after shall remain coexistence as loving brothers in our beloved country without any discrimination.
1.5: I have drawn for myself, and for those who follow me in my political approach, a peaceful path defined in Allah Almighty’s verse: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and have disputations with them in the best manner.”[1]
It is also outlined in His saying: “If you will stretch forth your hand towards me to slay me, I am not one to stretch forth my hand towards you to slay you; surely I fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”[2]
1.6: Citizenship is the standard that I believe is the best in the course of building a state, and determining the rights and duties of each citizen. The terms “Sunnis and Shiites” that I mention in this plea was a matter I had to resort to for my diagnosis of the current situation only.
1.7: As I present this plea to the conscience of the Court, before which I stand, I also present it before the humane conscience around the world. I am completely confident that Allah will not fail me, and that this humane conscience will do me justice.
1.8: This plea includes an introduction presenting the notions and principles I believe in, and the aspirations I look forward to. The plea also has nine chapters: Chapter One will discuss a brief history of political Bahrain, while Chapter Two will put forward the major problem faced in Bahrain, represented by the monopoly of power. Chapter Three will briefly represent the difficulties stemming from the major problem, most notably: discrimination, restriction of overt political action, restriction of civil society associations, absence of freedom of opinion and expression according to the international standards, violation of human rights, inflation of public debt, low-quality public services, formality of institutions and their lack of content, judiciary reality, financial and administrative corruption, encroachment on lands, absence of rule of law concept understanding, poverty in Bahrain, unemployment, naturalization, and moral corruption.
Chapter Four narrates the repressive measures adopted against the opposition demanding equality, democracy, and justice. Chapter Five presents the advice I gave to the leaders and decision-makers in the country in our meetings. Chapter Six demonstrates the major remands for those demanding reforms for the time being. I gave Chapter Seven, the title “Why am I under trial?”, while Chapter Eight presents the accusations I am charged with in the lawsuit raised against me. This chapter refutes, responds to each accusation, discusses its evidence, and shows trial-related legal texts. As for Chapter Nine, it includes the conclusion.
1.9: This plea and the notions it includes represent my understanding and belief in the political matters and in the goals and methods they include. This plea does not aim at wronging the goals and notions of others, whether individuals or groups, whether partners in the country or belonging to the opposition. As much as I have the right to practice thinking and notion-generating, the same right applies to others, and its results and outcomes shall be respected.
1.10: These are my beliefs and notions I believe in, and which were the reason behind my political movement aimed at equality, freedom, justice, and democracy in my country Bahrain. They are as follows..
Secretary General of Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society
Sheikh Ali Salman
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[1] Surat al-Nahl, Verse 125.
[2] Surat al-Ma’idah, Verse 28.
