In an interview for Al Mayadeen, on the “Diwan Podcast” program, on the anniversary of the life sentence against the leader of the largest opposition movement in Bahrain, Sheikh Ali Salman, his wife, Alia Radhi, described the sentence against her husband as “shocking and painful". She revealed that the hardest part was breaking the harsh news to their two young daughters.  

أي دور تقوم به زوجة الشيخ #علي_سلمان في غيابه كزعيم لأكبر تيار معارض في #البحرين؟ وكيف يُتابع الشيخ التطورات؟ وماذا يقول عن بناته؟

شاهدوا حلقة #بودكاست_ديوان كاملةً من خلال الرابط التالي👇https://t.co/ZLv1KNq8Nl@wafaalamm@ALYARADHI pic.twitter.com/O1uu0cWWNl

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) November 4, 2021

Life sentence for "collaborating" with Qatar

Radhi pointed out that despite how harsh the verdict was, it was expected, given the nature of the [fabricated] case, the [false] charges pressed against him, and the circumstances of his trial. But the surprise was in the international silence prior to his arrest, especially the United States which was one of the parties to the initiative that they had called for and he was tried for. The US was aware of all the details but chose to go after empty statements that chose to prioritize its interests over exerting real pressure in his favor.

Another difficult moment for Radhi was when she heard what her husband was being charged for in court, especially those accusing him of "collaborating" with Qatar. She expressed these feelings in words, saying, "I was in so much pain because of the injustice that befell Sheikh Ali. He was accused of such due to the Gulf crisis, and it was so painful to see him being framed in such a flagrant manner.”

Sheikh Salman tries to break down the reason behind his arrest to his two daughters

In an attempt to explain the situation to her daughters, Sarah and Nabaa, Radhi told them that their father was imprisoned “to keep you safe” [in this country], explaining that for a whole year and 8 months, “no face-to-face meeting with Sheikh Salman has taken place.” Any contact was through a video call only. 

Mrs. Salman also pointed out that her husband always tries to explain his absence to them in the simplest way, considering that "Sarah's father was arrested when she was only 40 days old, and she has only seen him from behind the walls of Jaw Prison."

Sheikh Ali Salman tells them, “I am in prison because many children open their birthday presents without their fathers. I am in prison because I want to see the sun shining down on my country; I do not like to see it in the dark. I am in this cell, with the sea behind me. I want this sea to be for all the people of this country.”

From behind the prison walls

Describing the morale of Sheikh Ali Salman in prison, Mrs. Salman said, "I have seen nothing but steadfastness and resoluteness in him. He is the one who gives us hope and strength, and he is determined to achieve the people's demands, especially the sons of the martyrs and detainees, who are his primary concern."

She added that she could sense his happiness for being able to share the sufferings and pains of the imprisoned and detained Bahrainis. She also stressed that in every popular movement that takes place he calls for demanding the release of all the detainees before his.

Radhi hoped that Sheikh Salman would be released unconditionally, as “he has always shouldered the country’s responsibilities and preserved its best interests, hoping that the Bahraini people and regime be partners in this country. That is why he does not belong in prison; his right place is next to his countrymen."

When it comes to political developments, Radhi conveys all important statements, movements, and statements to her husband, which keeps him updated with the latest news. On the other hand, the opposition icons follow the local news through newspapers, which are brought to them in prison.

Regarding the alternative penal code, which became effective recently in Bahrain, Radhi confirmed that no one has offered Sheikh Ali Salman to be released as per such code, adding that “it is not appropriate for him or his status to be released through alternative punishments, or open prisons system."

When asked about why Sheikh Salman has not yet expressed his opinion on this matter, Radhi clarified that he handed his brethren outside the prison the responsibility to decide, as they are more informed of it and its circumstances.