The opposition political parties have announced that a pro-democracy march will be held in the capital of Bahrain, Manama, at 4:00 PM. The Ministry of Interior as usual broadcasted: “The protest in Manama is illegal and all those participating will be held accountable.”. (Yah, Right!).

There will be many posts that will write about the Human Rights violations and how the regime continue to be as dark and brutal as it always was. But here I will write about my personal reflection e,about something bright, about the overwhelming humane side of the people.

For me, Manama protests have always been the most tricky ones, because once it is announced, Ministry of Interior blocks all entrances, and I am no expert in all it’s secret narrow alleys to get in  .

“The massive traffic jam on the main highway caused by police blocking all roads”

This time, I picked up a dear friend who knew the secret maps of Manama that newly recruited “mercenaries” who came from foreign countries have no idea about. As we drove to our capital, it was evident that we live under a militarised regime! Policemen/women “mercenaries” with their arms, police jeeps, cars, tanks are blocking and surrounding Manama and its outskirts, someone tweeted saying “I bet the Ministry of Interior is absolutely empty, even the building security officers are sent to Manama”!

“Police blocking roads with jeeps and police tanks”

One thing you need to know, Bahrain is a very small island, and we live in the small percentage of that small island since the rest is taken by the “ruling” family -Don’t believe me? check Google Earth :) – , so when I say the “outskirts” of Manama was blocked by police , it literarily means that the ENTIRE COUNTRY got blocked!

De spite of it all, we succeeded to to enter Manama.

Once we entered Manama, we were invited into a house along with many women awaiting the time of the protest. I was able to recognise a number of them, a wife of a human rights activist who’s in hiding, a sister of a detainee who is sentenced to 15 years, two women who were detained previously.

When I read pro-regime newspapers and media outlets describing protestors as : “Teenage rioters who are misled by the political leaders”, I don’t get upset or angry, I simply laugh at this blunt lie. Because the protestors I was among were women from all ages, some of them were grandmothers wearing sports shoes  and fired up to join the protest at any moment.

Because the massive march was not allowed due to the extensive presence of mercenaries , people decided to initiate smaller protests whenever a good number of people gathered, un-announcing the time nor the street.

And just like magic, at the most important spot in Bahrain, the roaring chants of peaceful protestors started and people came from unexpected places to remind the regime once more, that its our country and our land long before they invaded our soils.

Soon after we protested, police started attacking us and we were chased. And doors suddenly opened up offering a refuge to protestors to prevent them from being killed, beaten or arrested by the mercenaries.

Personally I had to seek refuge for 4 times each time a protest emerged. But what was astonishing for me is, I am being rescued by people I have never met in my life, people I do not know and they do not know me, they don’t know my sect, they know nothing except that I might be in danger and I need help.

Once we are invited in a house, cold water is given to us and a place to allow us catch our breath. People were reading the updates on the twitter but my mind was somewhere else.

“The tea I was offered by one family”

I was wandering my sight inside the small houses of Manama with their old doors, walls and furniture. I don’t know how can such a small house be inhabited by an entire family and in some cases families. it seems like celling is about to fall, any moment! The mother in the house offered water and tea, guided us to the room. And again, I don’t know them, they don’t know me! The modest hospitality of those families overwhelemed me.

@JamilaHanan tweeted something today that hit the exact overwhelming sense I felt yesterday in Manama and could not find the words to described it, she wrote:

“Sometimes the world seems such a horrible place, but the more one exposes evil, the more one discovers that love is even stronger”

And it is very true, the hospitality, care and their act of kindness was more powerful than all of the repression happening outside. They help people in need in spite of the danger of being raided and attacked any moment.

The cracks on the walls invited the teargas inside the packed houses, children came in running shouting “TEARGAS, TEARGAS”. A little girl did something astonishing, she instantly covered her nose with her dress. I bet she did not understand what “teargas” is, yet she has experienced it a lot before to make her know its bad and deadly.

“The child covering her nose to avoid teargas”

The graceful hospitality of the people in Manama at times where most people would close their doors, kept me thinking about our own history in Bahrain and about the native Bahrainis, who were invaded by the current ruling family from Zubara “Qatar” just 200 years ago. Was our ancestors’s genuine hospitality without discrimination played a fatal role in accepting to be ruled under outsiders who made us believe that they are part of us?? .. I can only wonder ..

“Spy Ballon in Manama”

I have heard and seen photos of the “Spy Balloon” but never saw it until this Friday. The regime claims that the balloon is used to check the “pollution” in the air, yet, I wonder, what was it doing in Manama, where the most polluted village “Ma’ameer” never witnessed it! (Hard to believe official statements, isn’t it??)

Near magreb prayer, I had to leave, I thanked those who opened their hearts and homes for me, found the friend I’ve lost when the protest started. On our way out, police were in every turn, and when you drive a car there is no escape in the small narrow roads, the scene was crystal clear. On one corner, we saw mercenaries ambushing a group of protestors, on another we saw them arresting a young man.

“Mercenaries arrested a  young man from the protest”

On my way home, the traffic was horrible. Police had checkpoints in all the main roads till night. The laughable joke was in today’s newspaper where Minister of Justice, Minister of Interior and “crippled” parliament were accusing the political parties of obstructing traffic and causing the economy to collapse!

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ! Are they serious?

Now the public persecution “funny to know, sometimes my autocorrect changes its to prostit**” is filing a case againt “Al-Wefaq” for the calling for the illegal protest. I have two comments on this :

1. Why  only Al-Wefaq??? All opposition parties called for the protest? why only pick Al-Wefaq??

2. The Regime is saying that the protest is illegal and all those participating are accountable,  May I remind you and remind myself that the Pro-regime protest “Al-Fateh” called by Mahmood Abdul-latif leading the  National Unity Gathering was in fact ILLEGAL !

Once we grew up and started working, it become our turn to give “Edia” to the youngsters instead of receiving it. Yet, my late grandfather “Hajji Hassan” never stopped giving me “his first grandchild” Edia every Eid. At some years, he was the ONLY one I received from and I would jump of happiness each time he gives me the little he has brining back the joy of the little girl in me.

For those who don’t know, “Edia” is a tradition in some muslim countries who celebrate Eid. It is money usually given to children to celebrate “Eid“. The money should be new, like  new notes and new coins. In Bahrain, the Central Bank  before Eid issue huge quantities of new notes and coins so families get the new notes for Eid.

Hassan, my grandfather is native Bahraini and  a palm tree farmer. He is loved by his family, friends and community. He is a very humble man, whenever he is hospitalised  we cannot find space in his crowded room which is full of the people he is loved by, may of them are expats from India and Pakistan whom he showed them a an unconditional kindness when he worked at the farm.

He used to call me every year before Eid and ask me to go to the bank and exchange the little money he has and bring him the new notes so he could distribute them to kids on Eid day.

Sadly, he passed away last year while I was studying abroad, I was not able to grieve  while being away  and I kept it hidden till I received the yearly email from the Bank asking people to fill the form for the “Edia”. It then dawned at me that he won’t be calling this year, he is gone. This moment of realisation shocked my foundation and I collapsed crying at work.

 ” My Grandfather spent most of his life up on palm trees”

I thought that the only way to honour his memory is to cash a new Edia and donate it to the families in need in our village. And I did that last Eid. Yet, I felt that something bigger and better must be done.

A voluntary youth project came to light, it was called “Ediat Hajji Hassan”.

I turned to my always amazing audience, my young cousins who are Haji Hassan’s grandkids. I wanted to teach them the true meaning of charity and help them remember their grandfather in a very positive way.

To make the maximum out this experience for the kids, each step had to be a big event for them to gather and do something for it. I decided to make them save money during the Holy Month of Ramadhan and donate it to the children in need. Below are the steps of the project:

1. Paint it, Make it Yours and Own It :

Every friday the entire family gather in my grandfather’s house for lunch, and its the best time to schedule the eventful meetings with the kids.

The first step was to buy 15 “Hassala”, a tradition money box made of clay for each kid. I had a briefing meeting with them one week before Ramadhan and taught them what we are planning to do, why and for whom. I strictly told my aunts not to cry  while remembering my grandfather, they obeyed but I didn’t.

Then the fun part began, each kid started painting his “Hassala”. The aim was to make each kid gain the sense of ownership, that it is his and he is responsible of it. Oh, and what a joyful day we had!

Then, to make them feel superstars and celebrities, we did a photo-shoot for each one of them to show off their piece of art.

2. Saving Money for the Needy

3. Breaking it and Counting the Blessings

Toward the end of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, we had the most anticipated meeting. The day we broke the “Hassala”  and  to count the money saved! I could see the excitement in their eyes and them jumping up in the air.

We wrapped each “Hassala” with a plastic bag and boom, the breaking began!

Then the kids started counting how much they saved, some of the kids were so cute, they were able to count to only 10. They went to their mom’s to help them count. I had to carry the coins with me to cash it, oh, it was a very heavy bag!

Few days later, I exchanged the old coins/notes with a new ones for Eidia, and the real lesson began.

4. Wrapped Up with Care

5. Distributing The Eid Spirit 

We listed 16 houses with 16 children in our village. We – with the help of family members- carefully selected families of those whom’s their sole provider have passed away, a prisoner  of conscience or sacked from work.

I wanted to make sure that kids know exactly who they giving it to, for them to understand why it is important to help. Two nights before Eid, I took the kids to these houses and they went inside without me accompanying.

I could clearly notice the different look in their eyes before going inside and after. I did not see the reaction of the families, because I felt that it’s the kid’s project, their efforts and their money I should not take any credit from those families, it should all be directed to those kids who did all of this with love.

 

” The kids before going into the house”

المقال باللغة الإنجليزية : Original Article in English

“Younis Ashoori, A Caged Bird Singing”

بقلم: أحلام عون

4 أغسطس 2012م

في منطقة تزدحم بصور عملاقة لرموز النظام البحريني، شعرتُ بالتيه حتى لمحت بابا صغيرا ذكرني بباب “أليس” الذي أدخلها “أرض العجائب”، إلا أن هذا الباب أدى بي إلى أرض أخرى.. هي “أرض الظلمات”.

إطلعتُ على تقارير وتغريدات كثيرة عن يونس عاشوري، ذلك الستيني المتواضع الذي نذر حياته في المجال الطبي كإداري، ولكنه اختُطِف انتقاماـ عُذِب وزُجّ به في السجن في قضية مفبركة.

يعيش هذه الأيام في ظروف في غاية السوء بسجن جو، يعاني من عدد من الأسقام كأمراض القلب وحصوة الكلى والصداع النصفي المزمن. تأجلت محاكمته إثناعشر مرة، يؤخرونه بين تأجيل وآخر. تفاصيل أكثر حول يونس عاشوري من منظمة حقوق الإنسان أولا.

اتهم بسرقة “12 اسطوانة غاز أوكسجين” وإرسالها إلى دوار اللؤلؤة، وهي تهمة دون دليل ومستندة على “مصادر سرية” فقط!

يقولون بأنه استولى على المال العام، يا للسخرية ويا للعجب.. عندنا في البحرين سرق مشايخ اللصوص الملايين في فضيحة “ألبا-ألوكا” ثم أفلتوا من العقاب سالمين عبر “عفو ملكي” من الملك، ولكن يحاكَم يونس بثلاث سنوات سجن في قضية مفبركة!

“بوستر على الجدار للمطالبة بالحرية ليونس عاشوري”

عندما دخلت المنزل حُيِّيت بابتسامات زوجته وابنه الوحيد. لم أتمالك نفسي وأنا أسمع أنغام الطيور في القفص المجاور للباب. وقفت لوهلة أفكر بيني وبين نفسي، ترى متى كان آخر مرة سمع فيها يونس طيوره وهي تغرد.

تناولنا مواضيع عدة وقصص وحوادث ذات صلة بعاشوري، بعضها جعلتنا نبتسم وأخرى خيم علينا الصمت الموجع في تلك الغرفة.

بعض القصص والمشاهد في تلك الزيارة تركت في نفسي أثرا عميقا. وقد لا تكون مهمة للبعض أو لا صلة لها هنا، لكنني وجدت أعظم معاني الحياة في أدق تفاصيلها.

- “أنا أعلم لماذا يغرد الطائر السجين”

طيلة وقت محادثتي مع أسرته كانت الطيور تغرد في الخلفية. يونس يعشق الطيور ويرعاها باهتمام شديد. يقول ابنه محمد بأنه في اتصالاته القصيرة دائما يسأل يونس عن طيوره. يقول محمد مازحا: “أحيانا اتساءل، لمن يشتاق والدي أكثر، لي أم للطيور؟”

“يونس عاشوري مع الطيور في الحديقة”

بعد ذلك بأيام التقيتُ بأمرأة، زوجها سجين في نفس العنبر الذي به يونس عاشوري. فأخبرتني بأن يونس لم يتوقف عن الكتابة مطالبا بالرعاية الصحية وببراءته.

تنقل هذه المرأة عن زوجها المحتجز بالقول: “يونس في الستينيات من عمره ولا يترك بابا إلا وطرقه سعيا للخروج من السجن، ففي الوقت الذي استسلم فيه من هم في العشرينات من أعمارهم نجد يونس عكس ذلك.”

“”

“يونس عاشوري في الحديقة ٢”

فورا.. تبادر إلى ذهني الشعر الذي كتبته مايا أنجلو:

“أنا أعلم لماذا يغرد الطائر السجين”

“يغني الطائر السجين
بنغمة خائفة
من أشياء مجهولة
ولكنه لايزال يتوق إليها
ونغماته تُسمَع هناك
على التل البعيد
لأنه يغني للحرية

يفكر الطائر الطليق بنسمة أخرى
الرياح الجارية الهادئة
تمر خلال الأشجار المتلهفة
والديدان الكبيرة تنتظر
على مرج الفجر المنير
وهو يعتبر السماء سماءه

لكن الطائر السجين
يقف على قبر الأحلام
ويصرخ ظله على صرخة كابوس
فجناحيه موثقان
ورجليه مكبلتان
لذا فهو يطلق حنجرته بالغناء”

أراهن على أنه قد تعلم من طيوره، وبالتالي سيظل يغرد حتى وإن كان سجينا.

- “إبنكِ يتدرب على إدارة الأزمات في الخارج”

بعض الأخبار السيئة تكون قاتلة لضعاف القلوب ولذلك تبقى سرية عنهم.

وأنا أعلم ذلك جيدا حيث حدث وأن فقد أحد أقربائي فجأة إثر نوبة قلبية عندما أبلغته المستشفى بوفاة الصبي الذي حاول هو إنقاذه، ثم اكتشفنا لاحقا بأن المستشفى أعطى معلومات خاطئة له إذ كان الصبي حيا يرزق.

حفاظا على حالة والدة يونس الحرجة، فإن العائلة آثرت أن تخبره بأن يونس مسافر خارج البلاد للتدريب على “إدارة الأزمات”. هو يتصل بها من السجن على أنه مسافر. وفي الأسابيع الأولى التي كان فيها يونس مغيبا تحت التعذيب، كان إبنه محمد الذي يشبه صوته صوت والده يتصل بجدته متقمصا شخصية والده ليطمئنها ويسكن كثرة أسئلتها.

فهل سيجتمع شملهما يوما قبل فوات الأوان ياترى؟!

- “كيف لي أن أقارن نفسي بعائلة الشهيد”

 أمنية -زوجة يونس عاشوري، هي من الأشخاص الذين لا يسعنا إلا أن نقف حائرين مذهلين أمام ثباتهم. يا لها من إنسانة متفاءلة برغم المأساة التي تمر بها.

“أمينة -زوجة يونس عاشوري، تلقي كلمة عن حالة زوجها الصحية”

عندما بدأت اللجنة البحرينية المستقلة لتقصي الحقائق بتوثيق القضايا، ذهبت أمينة لتوثيق الظلم والتجاوزات ضد يونس وعائلته. وفي أثناء انتظار دورها قامت بسؤال المرأة التي كانت بجانبها : “لماذا انتِ هنا؟” فاجابت المرأة: “أنا أخت شهيد”. تقول أمينة بأن أول شيء فكرت به هو: “هذه المراة سوف لن ترى أخاها ثانية! لا ينبغي لي أن أكون أنا هنا، لا أستطيع أن أقارن وضعي بما خسرت هذه المرأة”. فقررت أمينة الخروج فورا لولا أنهم إتصلوا بها للتوثيق.

إمرأة رائعة، لا تعرف الأنانية !

- “أكتشفتُ والدي”

وأنا أحادث الإبن الوحيد ليونس، محمد ذو العشرين ربيعا، لاحظته يردد عبارة “اكتشفت بأن والدي..”. وعندما سألته عن السبب، أوضح لي بأنه كان يجهل كل ما عاناه والده وكافح من أجله منذ صغره وإكتشف الكثير من قصص والده بعد اعتقاله، فلم يكن والده ليرغب في تحميل إبنه هذه الأعباء.

“في اليسار: يونس عاشوري، وفي اليمين: ابنه محمد”

كان يونس الإبن الاكبر في أسرته. عندما كان مراهقا تعرض والده لحادث سيارة أعجزه عن العمل. فحمل يونس على عاتقه مسئولية جميع أفراد الأسرة، إذ دخل سوق العمل ليؤمن لهم لقمة العيش. إنه محبوب جدا لدى أخوته لأنه تبنّى تربيتهم عمليا وساعدهم  تزويجهم وتكوين أُسرهم ثم بدأ هو بتكوين أسرته.

ومع ما يربو على أربعين عام من فارق عمْرٍ بينه وبين والده،  محمد يحرص أكثر من غيره على رؤية والده طليقا لأن هناك الكثير مما يريد أن يعرف عنه ويتعلم منه.

- “صورة مسروقة، وذاكرة مخطوفة”

عندما يُغِير مرتزقة البحرين على البيوت بدون إذن قانوني فإنهم يتصرفون كقراصنة على الأرض اليابسة، يسرقون كل ما يمكنهم حمله تحت ذريعة جمع “الأدلة”، ومما لا أستطيع فهمه هو كيف يمكن للنقود ،المجوهرات ،الصور الخاصة ودفاتر الشيكات أن تكون أدلة!

من جملة ما تم سرقته من منزل يونس هو شيء عزيز جدا على قلب أمينة (زوجة يونس)، وهي الصورة الوحيدة الباقية لها من والدتها المتوفية قبل خمسة أعوام. حتى إنها ليست صورة وإنما هي نسخة من بطاقة والدتها الشخصية التي كان يونس قد وعدها بتكبيرها وتأطيرها لها.

أمينة التي كانت تحاول التخفيف على نفسها قالت لي: “أبلغي مريم الخواجة أن تخاطب النظام للمطالبة بإرجاع صورة والدتي”.

لقد تشرفت جدا أن ألتقي بهذه العائلة المحترمة، وأدعو الله أن تكون زيارتي التالية لها قريبة احتفالاً بحرية يونس.

يونس.. واصل التغريد فنغمة الحرية بانتظارك.

ونحن بالإنتظار أيضا..

أحلام عون
@AhlamOun

وقعوا على العريضة المطالبة بإطلاق سراح يونس عاشوري هنا

——

الشكر الجزيل ل @muharraq_b لمبادرته وتطوعه لترجمة المقال الأصلي الذي كان باللغة الإنجليزية.

]]> http://www.ahlamoun.com/2012/08/05/younis_caged_bird_arabic/feed/ 0 http://www.ahlamoun.com/2012/08/04/younis-ashoori-a-caged-bird-singing/ http://www.ahlamoun.com/2012/08/04/younis-ashoori-a-caged-bird-singing/#comments Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:25:48 +0000 Ahlam http://www.ahlamoun.com/?p=976 In an area filled with huge billboards of the “Bahraini” regime figures, I felt out of place and lost till I found the small door which reminded me of the door “Alice” found to enter “Wonderland” yet this small door led me to a different land, the “Injustice Land”.

I have read a number of reports and tweets about Younis Ashoori, an old humble man in his 60s who dedicated his life working in the medical field as an administrator yet out of revenge he was kidnapped, tortured and thrown into jail for fabricated case.

Nowadays, he is living under really bad conditions at Jaw Prison already suffering from a number of illness like heart problems, kidney stones, and chronic migraines. His trial was postponed for 12 times, dragging him from one trial to the other. [More Details of Younis Ashoori's case from Human Rights First]

He is accused of stealing ” 12 Oxygen Tanks” and sending them to the Pearl Roundabout, there is no evidence on the accusation except for “Secret Sources”!

They say “He stole public money”, HA! what an irony we live with in Bahrain, when royal thieves steal millions in the “Alba-Alcoa” scandal and they get away with it by a “Royal Pardon” from the King while Younis is sentenced for 3.5 years in a fabricated case!

“Free Younis Ashoori Poster on a wall”

When I entered the house,I was greeted with the smiles of his wife and only son. I could not help but notice the large birds cage next to the door and the melodies sang by the birds in it. I paused for a while thinking of Younis and when was the last time he heard his singing birds.

We talked about many topics, stories, incidents related to Younis, some made us smile and others brought a deadly silence to the room.

I was deeply moved by some stories and observations I’ve encountered during the visit. For some people these may not seem relavent or important yet I have found the greatest meaning of life in it’s smallest details.

- “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”

“Younis Ashoori with birds at a park”

“Younis Ashoori”

Something I bet he learnt from his birds, he will keep singing even if caged.

- “You’re son Younis is studying Crisis Management abroad”

Some bad news are fatal for the weak hearted hence it is kept a secret.

And I know that for a fact because I had a relative who died instantly of a heart attack when the hospital told him that the kid who he tried to rescue died, later we discovered that the hospital gave the wrong information and the kid actually was alive.

Fearing for Younis’s mother critical condition, family told her that Younis is studying “Crisis Management” abroad. He calls her from time to time from prison. During the weeks he was out of reach being tortured, his son who has similar voice used to call his grandmother pretending to be his dad just to bring comfort to her constant questioning.

Will they ever be united before it’s too late?

- “How can I compare myself with the martyr’s family ?”

Amina, Younis Ashoori’s wife, is one of those people you can’t help but marvel at how amazing and persistence they are. She is such a delightful person in spite of the tragedy she went through.

“Amina – wife of Younis Ashoori giving a speech about his medical condition”

When the BICI “The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry” started documenting cases, Amina went to document the injustice and violations happened to Younis and her family. While she was waiting her turn, she asked the woman sitting next to her: “Why are you here?”. The woman replied : “I am a sister of a martyr”, Amina told me that the first thing that came to her mind was  :”This woman will never see her brother again! I should not be here, I can’t compare myself to what she has lost”. Amina decided to leave but she was called again to document.

A selfless spirit.
- “I Discovered My Dad”

“On the left Younis Ashoori, on the right his son Mohammed”

I was so honoured to be welcomed by this amazing family, I pray that my next visit to them will be soon and to celebrate Youni’s freedom.

The 14Feb Revolution inspired by the Arab Spring was able to liberate Bahraini Artists to express their art freely without boundaries dictated by the regime.

 
Among those artists is Cartoonist Ali Shehab who is known as “Ali Cartoon”. Ali explained the transformation of his art post 14Feb by saying: “There are no redlines in my paper anymore, my pen is finally liberated.”
 
Before the crackdown Ali and his fellow artists were able to communicate their art via a direct contact with protestors at the Pearl Roundabout but today, it’s an entirely different situation. Ali explains: “The security situation today does not allow artist to have a safe platform to exhibit their art or form a group and our only way to communicate with the public is via social media.”
 
 
… To Continue  reading Please click on my blog on ARTe website links below:

English :

“Ali Shehab: A Bahraini Artist Drawing Outside the Red Lines”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/en/ahlam-oun-“ali-shehab-a-bahraini-artist-drawing-outside-the-red-lines”/

French :

« Ali Shehab : L’artiste bahreïni brave la ligne rouge »

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/ahlam-oun-«-ali-shehab-l’art-bahreïni-brave-la-ligne-rouge-»/

German :

“Ali Shehab: Ein Künstler aus Bahrain, der jenseits der roten Linie zeichnet”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/de/ahlam-oun-“ali-shehab-ein-künstler-aus-bahrain-der-jenseits-der-roten-linie-zeichnet”/

We Remain,

@AhlamOun

Last month, Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Alkhalifa, wife of Bahrain’s King Hamad Alkhalifa, was a guest of honor at the Freedom Palm, an event held next to the Notre Dame in Paris celebrating “Freedom of Religion”.

Sabeeka, who last year bought a Paris mansion for € 66M from the Catholic Church, said during the event: “Religious tolerance is a right that must be sacred throughout the world”, yet Bahrainis who witnessed their mosques being demolished by the regime know that what is preached by it’s members internationally is not at all practiced domestically.

… To Continue  reading Please click on my blog on ARTe website links below:

English :

“Bahrainis Pray on the Ruins of Mosques Demolished by the Regime”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/en/ahlam-oun-“bahrainis-pray-on-the-ruins-of-mosques-demolished-by-the-regime”/

French :

“Les Bahreïnis prient dans les ruines des mosquées détruites par le régime.”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/ahlam-oun-«-les-bahreïnis-prient-dans-les-ruines-des-mosquées-détruites-par-le-régime-»/ 

German :

“Die Bahrainer beten in den Ruinen der Moscheen, die vom Regime zerstört worden sind“

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/de/ahlam-oun-„die-bahrainer-beten-in-den-ruinen-der-moscheen-die-vom-regime-zerstört-worden-sind“/ 

We Remain,

@AhlamOun

As per the Bahrain Penal Law Article 178 and 179 “A group of 5 people” in a protest is considered an “illegal gathering” and based on that law thousands of Bahrainis were jailed. Nabeel Rajab, President of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, received a letter dated 28/2/2012 ordering him to summon in front of Public Prosecution for “inciting illegal protests”

… To Continue  reading Please click on my blog on ARTe website links below:

English :

“Charged with illegal gathering; the Bahrain’s regime quick fix to jail protestors”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/en/ahlam-oun-“charged-with-illegal-gathering-the-bahrain’s-regime-quick-fix-to-jail-protestors”/

French :

« La condamnation pour rassemblement illégal : la solution miracle du régime de Bahreïn pour emprisonner les manifestants.»

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/ahlam-oun-«-la-condamnation-pour-rassemblement-illégal-la-solution-miracle-du-régime-de-bahreïn-pour-emprisonner-les-manifestants-»/

German :

“Bahrains Regime klagt Protestler gerne wegen Verstoß gegen das Versammlungsverbot an und hält sie so im Gefängnis fest”

http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/de/ahlam-oun-„bahrains-regime-klagt-protestler-gerne-wegen-verstoß-gegen-das-versammlungsverbot-an-und-hält-sie-so-im-gefängnis-fest“/ 

We Remain,

@AhlamOun

Since the crackdown, Bahrain’s regime strived to whitewash their image in front of the international community hence many international journalists were banned from entering the country and some were sent back from once they reached the airport. For Example, Nick Kristof who is a New York Times columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner is still not allowed in Bahrain. He tweeted 2 weeks ago saying:

@NickKristof: “Bahrain denies me a visa, but you can read @nazihasaeed‘s timeline to see how they tortured a female reporter.“

… To Continue  reading Please click on the ARTe website links below:

English :

“Undercover journalists unravel the hidden stories about Bahrain”
http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/en/ahlam-oun-“undercover-journalists-unravel-the-hidden-stories-about-bahrain”/

French :

«Des journalistes infiltrés dévoilent la face cachée de Bahreïn »
http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/ahlam-oun-«-des-journalistes-infiltrés-dévoilent-la-face-cachée-de-bahreïn-»/ 

German :

“Undercover-Journalisten enthüllen Hintergrundberichte über Bahrain”

 http://monde-arabe.arte.tv/de/ahlam-oun-undercover-journalisten-bahrain/

We Remain,

@AhlamOun

Abu-Taki is a father of Martyr Mahmood Abu-Taki (23 years old) who was killed by a shotguns after the revengeful attack planned by the Bahraini Regime on camped protestors on the 17th Feb 2011 at 3 AM at the Pearl Roundabout.

“The last clothes wore by Martyr Mahmood”

I had the honor to meet him when he was giving a spontaneous presentation about his son at an event in a political society in Bahrain. I have noticed that each paper he was presenting was wrapped with transparent plastic. Later, I asked him for the reason and he said: “I know that the road for justice in Bahrain will take a long time and I will keep talking about my son in every event till I die. I had to make sure to preserve it for this long journey.”

I asked to interview him and he gracefully invited me to his house to meet the rest of the family. As we parked the car outside the house, I saw a graffiti (A heart with “Abu-Taki” written inside it) painted by those who loved Mahmood.

I was taken to Martyr Mahmood’s room, a small room with walls narrating the rich life and tragic death of a beloved young man. It was packed with photos of Martyr Mahmood from many events including a photo of a weeping father saying his final goodbyes at the morgue.

Martyr Mahmood’s father speaking about his son

Among the documents hanged on the walls were the birth and death certificate and all honor and graduation certificates that came in between. Also, a box of old keys and gemstones he used to collect as a hobby. The room seemed lively, one would imagine that Mahmood might enter at any moment.

Makki Abu-Taki pointing at how he last saw hi son.

As we sat inside, Mahmood’s mother stepped in to greet us then chose to sit a bit far. She told me later that recollecting memories and speaking about Mahmood is a deep wound remained fresh even after a year and 3 months.

Certificates earned by Martyr Mahmood on the wall.

Mahmood’s father spoke excitingly about how his son was loved by all those who knew him then the tone changed when he started narrating how he heard the tragic news. And that was the beginning of an ongoing chapter of violations by the regime!

Mr.Abu-Taki during the interview in Martyr Mahmood’s room

The Bahraini Regime had the audacity not only to kill one son but also to attack the house multiple times in search of the other who was labeled as “Wanted”! Martyr Mahmood’s brother was working in the Military, when he heard the news; he decided not to work in the same system that killed his brother. After the multiple raiding in his house by police, he went in hiding for a while then came back after his mother became very sick. Within two days, police attacked the house again and arrested him. Family did not know or hear from him for 3 weeks, and then they were told that he was sentenced for 9 months in prison in sham trial.

One of many teargas canisters thrown on Abu-Taki’s House

After almost a year since the death of his son, a policeman knocked at the door of Mr. Abu-Taki’s house asking for Mahmood! The father was puzzled by this unexpected question! Abu-Taki decided to play along and answered the policeman saying: “Mahmood is not here, how can I help you?”

Policeman replied: “Your son must summon in front of the public prosecution at the Military Court on 25th Jan 2012. There is a case against him!”

The father took the envelope quietly then exposed the regime by publishing it to the media networks as true testament of the made-up and fake court cases which are distributed randomly to people including those who got killed by the regime itself and already 6-feet under!

Original Court Summon Document for Martyr Mahmood

He filed a court case against the Ministry of Interior for killing his son yet he is not expecting justice from the judiciary system in Bahrain since the Minister of Justice is a member of the ruling family.

The father continues to speak about the unjust regime in Bahrain toward his family and other families. He is always the first person to be there for parents of new martyrs. He is outspoken and Pro-Democracy supporters look up to him as an influential figure representing the true demand for justice.

Mr.Abu-Taki speaking and Mahmood’s photo on the background

In spite of all the pain and loss, Mr.Abu-Taki, spoke to us of hope. Nine days after Mahmood got killed, Abu-Taki became a grandfather. Martyr Mahmood’s eldest brother wanted to honor his brother’s memory and named the newborn boy “Mahmood”.

The newborn Mahmood almost looks exactly like his late uncle “Martyr Mahmood”. It was clear by sight and felt by heart that the newborn holds a special place in the grandfather’s heart. He could not stop hugging him each time he passed by and making all the joyful noises to make him laugh as he used to do for his son Mahmood.

Martyr Mahmood when he was a child

Grandson Mahmood and his grandfather

Abu-Taki explains: “For our future generation, we should not stop and we should not surrender. They are the hope that will carry the dream and make something bigger out of it. I continue the journey pushed by my son Martyr Mahmood from the back and for my grandson Mahmood I shall march forward”

Mr.Abu-Taki teaching his grandson Mahmood the Victory Sign.

We Remain,

@AhlamOun

Photos : Courtesy of Nawal Photography

An old man holding his walking stick in one hand,
and a bread he just bought for his family on the other.
lifting one foot slowly after the other in pain,
Police start shooting teargas .. both of his hands occupied,
He can’t throw his walking stick because he needs to walk,
He can’t throw his bread because he needs to feed his family,
He collapse in the middle of the street, suffocating!

A normal day in Sitra !

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(2)

A mother calling her son;
Mom : “Son, where are you? Did you pick the medicine for your sister from the pharmacy?”
Son : “Yes Mom, I picked up the medicine , I am a block away .. don’t worry I am almost there.”

30 minutes later.

Mom calls again and an auto answer on the phone.

“THE NUMBER YOU ARE CALLING CANNOT BE REACHED AT THE MOMENT”

3 days later,

Mother receives a call from an unknown number,

“YOUR TRAITOR SON IS IN PRISON FOR PROTESTING”

Mom :”Where is my son!! I didn’t hear from him in 3 days!!”
Voice: “He is in the prison hospital.”
Mom: “WHY??? WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM??”

…… line disconnected!

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A normal day in Sitra !

;

(3)

A woman with her kids in the car visiting her family in Sitra,

An alien with a police uniform and his gun pointing at car nodding at her,

Woman : “Please, don’t scare my kids, I am here to visit my family.”

Policeman: ……..

Woman: “لو سمحت، لا تفزع أطفالي… اريد أن ازور اهلي”

Policeman: …….

Policeman speaks in foreign language, pointing at her to turn back not allowing her to pass!

He doesn’t understand Arabic nor English.

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A normal day in Sitra !

;

(4)

5 teenage kids playing outside their house,

A Turkish-Made Police Tanks storming from one side of an alley,

Police jeeps rush from the other side,

Policemen rush out with their guns!

Next day a headline in a local newspaper;

“5 people were arrested for illegal gathering!”

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A normal day in Sitra !

;

(5)

Grandmother: “It’s almost 12:00 PM, where are you going in his heat?”

Grandfather : “I am taking our grandson to pray in the historic mosque of Shaikh Aabid, I’ll come back after 2 hours”

10 minutes later,

Grandmother: “Oh! that was quick?! and why the sad look in your face??”

Grandfather : “The government demolished the entire mosque!!! it vanished!”

Grandson : “Grand-dad, I promise you, I will rebuild it and you will pray in it again!”

;

A normal day in Sitra !

;

(6)

A house with 4 empty rooms,

1st room once was for a 22 year old engineering student who got killed by the regime’s mercenaries,

2nd room was for a brother who is not behind bars for demanding for democracy,

3rd room was for a 3rd brother who is sentenced for 2 years in prison for no obvious reason,

4th room was for their parents who abandoned the house,

a mother who can’t stand on her knees each time she enters the house, haunted by her kinds memories,

a father, who can’t sleep at night, hearing phantom voices of his sons calling him for help.

;

A normal day in Sitra !

;

(7)
A young boy doesn’t leave the house anymore,
doesn’t eat with the family as he used to,
doesn’t play with his friends as he used to,
doesn’t go to school as he used to,
doesn’t speak as often as he used to,

a very worried mother asking with tears everyday;

“Son, I beg you, please tell me, what is wrong with you?? What changed you??”

Son : ” ……”

After few days, she searched the records on her son’s phone.. and finds this text messages:

“IF YOU DONT COOPERATE WITH US AND BE AN INFORMER, TELLING US WHO ARE THE PROTESTORS, WE WILL DO WHAT WE DID TO YOU LAST WEEK BUT THIS TIME, YOU WILL WISH YOU WERE DEAD”.

;

A normal day in Sitra !

;

(8)

A man scanning the current news;

King announces on a German newspaper :”There are no opposition in Bahrain!”

-He is an opposition.

Minister of Human Rights says : “We don’t have political prisons in Bahrain”

-His father is sentenced to 15 years for his political views.

Wife of King honored for Freedom of Religion in Paris.

The mosque he usually prays in got destroyed and demolished during marshal law!

-Local newspaper headline “Those traitors are loyal to Iran, let them leave! Withdraw their passports!”

He is native Bahraini, and the Chief Editor of that newspaper has persian origins!

Later that day, he goes out the street to announce his existence in all means possible .. some agreeable, some are not.

;

A normal day in Sitra !

;

(9)
A settle knock on the door.

A young girl opens it, four gentle and polite men ask her to call her father.
Father opens the door, his eyes opens wide;

“Fathers of our the hero martyrs of Sitra, are visiting me at the same time, what an honor!”
The four fathers hold his hands tight saying;

“We know that you have a strong faith in God, and you are a man who can handle what every life throws at you..”
Father : “what??? Why?? What is going on??.”

one of the 4 fathers :

“We were just informed, that your son got killed by the police with a direct shotgun in his neck. We are so sorry for your loss.”

“We lost our sons and we are here to tell you that you are not alone. We stand by you and with you.”
Father collapses and a mother’s cry breaking the silent walls.

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A normal day in Sitra !

;

(10)

;

In spite of the the massive number of Police jeeps and tanks raiding their homes and villages ,
In spite of all the people killed, tortured, jailed and harassed,
In spite of all disrespect for their beliefs and religion,
In spite of all the teargas thrown and shotguns used,
In spite of all the formal and informal lies about them,
In spite of it all , they remain resilient and determine to stand for what they believe in,

The father who lost his son,
The mother who’s her young boys are behind bars,
The son who witnessed his mother being harassed,
The daughter who wants the freedom of her father,
The grandfather who goes for prayers on his wheelchair
You will see them all, Protesting for Democracy..

..And that is a VERY normal day in Sitra !

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We Remain,
@AhlamOun

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* Island of Sitra in Bahrain:
Sitra is labeled by the opposition as the “Capital of the Revolution”, due to Sitra being the place where most of the deaths in the uprising occurred and being the hometown of most of the people killed during the uprising.

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Note : All of the above are inspired by true stories happened and still happening in Bahrain.

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