In a statement released on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham called for immediate release of the secretary general of Bahrain’s main opposition party, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society. 

“It is seriously expected that those groups, which have raised their demands peacefully, be treated fairly, rationally and properly,” she stated.

“Security approach will not help resolve Bahrain’s problems,” Afkham said, adding that holding dialogue and paying heed to the demands of moderate figures and groups will definitely guarantee peace and security in the Arab country.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Bahraini court acquitted Sheikh Salman of the charge of trying to overthrow the government, but gave him a four-year jail sentence for other charges.

Insulting Bahrain’s interior ministry and calling for defiance of the Arab country’s laws, are among the charges, for which the court sentenced Sheikh Salman to 4 years in prison.

Sheikh Salman was arrested in late December 2014 over alleged anti-regime incitements. Manama had accused him of seeking regime change and collaborating with foreign powers.

His arrest has triggered condemnation inside and outside Bahrain, with leaders, governments and international organizations across the world calling for his immediate release.