Salman was among several prominent figures who led a rally near the capital Manama on Friday [Reuters]
Bahraini authorities have detained the head of the
main Shia Muslim opposition group after he was summoned for questioning
over unspecified violations.
main Shia Muslim opposition group after he was summoned for questioning
over unspecified violations.
The Interior Ministry said on Sunday that Sheikh Ali Salman, the
secretary-general of al-Wefaq Islamic Society, had been summoned for
questioning by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
secretary-general of al-Wefaq Islamic Society, had been summoned for
questioning by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
"Legal procedures are now being finalised ahead of referring the case
to the Public Prosecution," it said in a statement, without
elaborating.
to the Public Prosecution," it said in a statement, without
elaborating.
A lawyer who represents al-Wefaq said the charges include incitement
against the government, calling for its overthrow by force and inciting
the youth to revolt, al-Wasat newspaper reported.
against the government, calling for its overthrow by force and inciting
the youth to revolt, al-Wasat newspaper reported.
The ministry also said that about 2,000 people participated in
Friday's march and that some "violations" had been recorded, but did not
specify.
Friday's march and that some "violations" had been recorded, but did not
specify.
'Uncalculated adventure'
Salman was among several prominent figures who led a rally on Friday
near the capital, Manama, staged to protest against last month's general
elections, which the opposition boycotted.
near the capital, Manama, staged to protest against last month's general
elections, which the opposition boycotted.
Al-Wefaq, which was established in 2002 after an announcement of
political reforms the previous year, described Salman's detention as "a
dangerous and uncalculated adventure that complicates the political and
security scene in Bahrain".
political reforms the previous year, described Salman's detention as "a
dangerous and uncalculated adventure that complicates the political and
security scene in Bahrain".
The island kingdom has been gripped by tension since 2011 protests
led by majority Shia Muslims demanding reforms and a bigger role in
running the country.
led by majority Shia Muslims demanding reforms and a bigger role in
running the country.
Bahrain has faced sporadic unrest since authorities quelled the 2011
protests against the Sunni-led monarchy with support from other members
of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
protests against the Sunni-led monarchy with support from other members
of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Demonstrations have increasingly given way to bomb attacks on the
security forces. At least two people were killed in two separate attacks
this month.
Bahrain detains Shia opposition leader - Middle East - Al Jazeera Englishsecurity forces. At least two people were killed in two separate attacks
this month.
Post a Comment