Bahrain’s Constitution makes no distinction between citizens, and the security and safety of all remain a top priority, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said.
He made the remarks yesterday following a meeting with citizens as part of the community partnership strategy to strengthen engagement with Bahraini society.
In his speech, the minister highlighted Iranian proxies in Bahrain and their nefarious agenda, backed by Tehran, to destabilise the country and sow the seeds of hatred.
He also revealed that BD600,000 in cash was found in the residence of one of the 41 individuals arrested recently for alleged terror activities.
“This ideology did not stop at the limits of religious references; Khomeini transformed it into a cross-border political project, in which allegiance and obedience were directed to the Wali Al Faqih in Iran,” said the minister.
“Accordingly, the political affiliation of followers of the Wilayat Al Faqih ideology is no longer linked to the state in which they live, but rather to the ruling jurist in Iran, as the source of political authority and obedience. “
He told the audience it is this ideology that has turned citizens of any country into individuals subject to the authority of the Iranian Wali Al Faqih, even if it harms the nations state’s security and stability.
“Let it be clear that there is no authority above the authority of the civil state in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” stressed the minister.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid explained that Bahrain and other countries in the region have witnessed a shift in Iranian policy since the 1979 revolution, marked by blatant interference in the kingdom’s internal affairs. “The first of these was the failed attempt to overthrow the government in 1981,” he said.
“This was followed by acts of rioting and terrorism in Bahrain during the 1990s, when Iran incited its proxies within the Shi’ite community and worked under a sectarian cover to push them to move against the state.
“When His Majesty King Hamad took over the reins of the government in 1999, he introduced a pioneering national vision, opened his heart to all, issued a comprehensive pardon for those who had acted against the interests of the nation, allowed those living abroad to return, granted them Bahraini citizenship, and launched democratic life in Bahrain.”
The minister said the comprehensive reform project has become tangible across various aspects of life, preserving human dignity through the vote on the National Action Charter and the promulgation of the Constitution. He told the audience that Bahrain’s Shiites, in all cases, are older than Wilayat Al Faqih.
“We have noticed claims being promoted on social media alleging that Bahrain’s Shi’ites are being targeted. This claim is completely rejected,” he said.
“The Shi’ite community is an integral component of this country’s past, present and future. This has been affirmed by the Constitution and the laws, which make no distinction between citizens. The security and safety of all citizens remain the top priority.”
Gen Shaikh Rashid stressed that His Majesty King Hamad laid the foundations of the state and strengthened its national defence and security capabilities, forming a strong barrier to protect the nation and achieve stability.
He also lauded the decisive and integrated measures taken by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to address these emergency circumstances.
&uuid=(email))