Ayatollah Abdollah Jawadi-Amoli: Al Khalifa, Al Saud Infidels

Saudi mercenaries and troops were deployed in Bahrain on March 13 to help Bahraini security forces quash protests demanding the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family from the Persian Gulf island nation. 

"Al Khalifa and Al Saud, Gaddafi, Zionists, and Americans are neither Shia nor Sunni. One who sets fire to the Qur'an is not a Muslim, but a slave to the arrogant, Zionists and the US," Ayatollah Amoli stated, ruling out allegations that the violence was fueled by sectarian differences.

He also called for Islamic zeal among Muslims across the world apart from prayers, patience and perseverance and urged Muslim officials to voice their protest in meetings with Bahraini diplomats and officials.

"The infidelity of Al Khalifa and Al Saud is verified, for beside destroying mosques and mourning sites, they did not even stop at the Holy Qur'an and burned [copies] of this divine book," Ayatollah Amoli underscored.

"It is necessary for all Muslims in the world to support the oppressed people of Bahrain," he said, condemning Riyadh for backing Al Khalifa by its invasion of Bahrain, and the US for intervening through the establishment of military bases in the country.

Ayatollah Javadi-Amoli further extended his sympathy with the families of those killed in crackdowns in Bahrain and prayed for the release of those jailed following their participation in protests.