Feb 17 2015
MANAMA, Feb 17 (
Reuters
) – Bahrain has opened a criminal
investigation of the country’s main opposition group, the
Interior Ministry said on Tuesday, accusing the al-Wefaq group
of trying to undermine national security.
Bahrain, a Western-allied kingdom and the base for the U.S.
Fifth Fleet, has been gripped by tension since security forces
quelled protests by Shi’ite Muslims in 2011. The Shi’ites, who
form a majority in the country, are demanding reforms and a
better share in government.
The Interior Ministry said on its website that its General
Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic
Security had referred al-Wefaq to the public prosecutor after it
documented violations that represent “criminal offences” under
Bahraini laws.
It said these violations, published on al-Wefaq’s Twitter
account and on its website, included “incitement to hatred
against the ruling system and circulating false news to
undermine civil peace and national security.”
An al-Wefaq spokesman said the group had no details about
the case.
“No one has been contacted or notified about a case against
the society,” Sayed Taher al-Mousawi, head of al-Wefaq’s media
department, told
Reuters
.
A rights activist said the move was motivated by political
considerations.
“We do not believe at all that such actions have any basis
rather than political grounds,” said Nader al-Salatna, acting
president of Bahrain Youth Society, a local rights group.
Bahrain has stepped up a crackdown on al-Wefaq after the
group and other, smaller opposition parties boycotted elections
held in November and organised street protests to show their
opposition to the poll.
Last month, al-Wefaq’s head, Sheikh Ali Salman, regarded as
the country’s senior opposition leader, went on trial on charges
of promoting the violent overthrow of the political system. The
case has riled his followers and heightened unrest in the
Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab state.
Earlier this week, an appeals court upheld a six-month
prison sentence against Jameel Kadhim, a former parliament
member and president of al-Wefaq’s consultative council. He was
charged with making false allegations that undermined national
elections.
Al-Wefaq says it is seeking political reforms through
peaceful means, including having governments chosen from within
an elected parliament. The government says it has implemented
wide reforms, including giving parliament powers to oversee
government work.
(Reporting by Farishta Saeed; Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing
by Larry King)
((Sami.Aboudi@thomsonreuters.com; +97143918301;))
Keywords: BAHRAIN POLITICS/
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