Loyalty to Resistance Slams 'Repression' in Bahrain, Urges Release of Marzooq

Hizbullah's Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc on Wednesday called for the release of a top Bahraini opposition leader, stressing that his detention by the kingdom's authorities is “totally at odds with the peaceful nature of the popular protest movement.”

“Despite the stark condemnations that have been voiced by all the Arab and international rights groups and humanitarian organizations against the Bahraini authorities' detention of Mr. Khalil al-Marzooq -- the resigned first deputy speaker of parliament and the political aide of the secretary general of the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society – these authorities seem to be determined to continue their repression and violence against this esteemed legal figure,” said a statement issued by the bloc.

Loyalty to Resistance also deplored “the repression of the aggrieved Bahraini people, who have been rejecting, in a completely peaceful manner, this policy which is violating the human rights of the Bahraini citizens, while relying on foreign interference and support and impeding the opportunity to engage in a responsible dialogue aimed at rescuing the country.”

The bloc urged the immediate release of Marzooq and “all political prisoners in Bahrain,” saying the top dissident resorted to the law and human rights to demand “reforms and measures that would achieve the minimum level of justice, citizenship and human dignity.”

On Tuesday, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled al-Khalifa slammed Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as a “criminal,” describing any communication with the party as communication with the “enemy.”

Nasrallah had strongly criticized Bahraini authorities in a speech he delivered on Monday.

“The Bahraini government is escalating the situation but it cannot continue to oppress and repress its people while pressuring the world to remain silent. This is unacceptable,” said Nasrallah.

Marzooq served as deputy speaker in the 40-member parliament before 18 MPs from the influential Shiite opposition bloc al-Wefaq walked out in February 2011 protesting violence against demonstrators.

At least 80 people have been killed in Bahrain since Arab Spring-inspired pro-democracy protests erupted in February 2011, according to the International Federation for Human Rights.

The undersecretaries of the Gulf Cooperation Council interior ministries have discussed possible measures against suspected Hizbullah members living in the Gulf.

Gulf monarchies, which are supporting the rebellion against the Syrian government, have been infuriated by Hizbullah's open military intervention in Syria alongside regime troops.