Bahrain Video Diary, Part 1: The Freedom Torch Marches Across the Country

The father of the martyr Ali Alshaikh holds the “Freedom Torch” and leads the march in Markuban, 27 October

---

An EA correspondent has been following the opposition's Freedom Torch as it moves across Bahrain, culminating in a ceremony on 22 November in Sanabis, near Pearl Roundabout, the symbolic centre of the protests that began 14 February:

26 October: Mehaza, Sitra

The lighting of the Freedom Torch in Mehaza village on Sitra Island --- for more than one reason, this is a great victory for the 14 February Coalition. Most importantly, it shows the ability of the group to organise and encourage people to take part of their festivals.

After the festival ended, a rider on horseback took the flame and vanished into the dark.

27 October: Markuban, Sitra

During a Shia ritual, commemorating the death of Imam Al Hassan in the village of Markuban a youth showed up holding the “Freedom Torch” and chanting “Down with [King] Hamad”. People responded with a march through the village until police answered with tear gas.

Click to read more ...