Bahrain Feature: #StolenByMOI --- Bahrainis Tell the World "This is What Has Been Taken From Us"

See also Bahrain Opinion: An Open Letter to Journalists "Get The Story Right"

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Yesterday, whilst searching Twitter for news from Bahrain, I discovered the hashtag campaign #StolenByMOI

Scores of Bahraini citizens were sending out poignant messages to the world about what had been stolen from them by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). For many, this was an opportunity to document specific crimes. For others, more personal, emotional messages were sent. I spent a long time reading the tweets, each offering a glimpse into the sadness, anger, and fear, but also the humour and hope. Brought together, they are a collective call for little more than a better life.

I was moved deeply by much of what I read, especially concerning those who are grieving for family and friends killed by security forces, or left praying that their loved ones will soon be released from prison unharmed. Moments of mirth sometimes shone through --- many remembered with a smile the popcorn machine at Pearl Roundabout, a shared monument of simple happiness snatched away by the regime.

Below, a selection of English-language tweets --- hundreds more can be read on Twitter.

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