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Bahrain: When Geeks Protest

Categories: Middle East & North Africa, Bahrain, Digital Activism, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Humor, Politics, Protest, Technology

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].

On Saturday a group of IT specialists held a anti government rally raising “geeky” signs and slogans. Tweep @JTheIslander [2], an IT geek himself, was on location and tweeted these photos showing some of the most creative signs:

@JTheIslander [3] chants: “IT Sinna o shia” plixi.com/p/81757795 [4]

The IT rally carrying geeky anti government signs [4]

The IT rally carrying geeky anti government signs

“IT Sinna o Shia” is an IT flavoured rendition of another slogan used which means “Brothers, Sunna and Shia”

@JTheIslander [5] The geeky rally banner against censorship. plixi.com/p/81752318 [6]

Opinion Blocked [6]

Opinion Blocked

This banner looks similar to the dreaded “Site Blocked” page used when accessing a censored [7] page in Bahrain.

Geeks also expressed their feelings towards the current PM Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa through PHP code..

@JTheIslander [8] php code in the geeky rally now. plixi.com/p/81753449 [9]

PHP code Translation: We will carry on chanting "Down Down Khalifa" as long as he is in power [9]

PHP code Translation: We will carry on chanting "Down Down Khalifa" as long as he is in power

..and by keyboard shortcuts!

@JTheIslander [10] SHIFT+DELETE KHALIFA! plixi.com/p/81754122 [11]

Geek showing how internet speeds slowed down dramatically during the first days of the protests [11]

Geek showing how internet speeds slowed down dramatically during the first days of the protests

@JTheIslander [12] THE BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH! plixi.com/p/81754415 [13]

Revolution in Progress Loading bar [13]

Revolution in Progress Loading bar

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].