The National Democratic Opposition Parties refuse the restriction on political action in Bahrain

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The National Democratic Opposition Parties boycotted Wednesday’s dialogue session in protest to the decision issued by the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs and that aims to further tighten the restrictions on the freedom of political action in Bahrain. The decision requires a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Governemnt be present in meetings between political societies and diplomatic missions, foreign embassies in Bahrain and governmental organizations and representatives of foreign states.The decision also obliges political societies which desire to hold such communication to inform the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs at least 3 working days ahead of the meeting.The National Democratic Opposition Parties considered in a statement that the decision “a new step on the way of political tension” after the escalated repression campaigns that included home raids, arrests, torture, coerced confession and sham trials. The opposition parties said this step will delay the National Dialogue that was launched in February 2013. The decision contradicts the constitution, the National Action Charter and international laws and covenants.The statement added, “The crisis in Bahrain has reached dangerous levels as a result of the adopted repressive security solution and the restrictions on public freedoms, and the opposition’s political action in particular”. The opposition parties said they do not accept the decisions taken by the Ministry of Justice that come in line with the skepticism over the patriotism of the National Democratic Opposition Parties. They opposition parties considered the decision part of the attempts to turn political action in Bahrain to political window dressing to be used by the Authorities to mislead the international community.The opposition parties affirmed their belief in a Bahraini solution for the political constitutional crisis. “The National Democratic Opposition Parties will continue to act according to their patriotic vision that is complaint to international norms and treaties as reference to political and demands action”, the statement said.“The opposition parties also refuse what was mentioned in the other party’s joint statement (between the Government, the Coalition and the so-called independents of the Legislative Authority) and that mentioned that we refuse to attend the mini-sessions and discussion-sessions, reminding all that the opposition parties were the ones who suggested to hold these sessions to make a productive positive atmosphere for the dialogue. The opposition’s team to dialogue had also proposed an initiative to prepare a positive environment for the dialogue”, it added.4th September 2013The National Democratic Opposition Parties in BahrainAl-Wefaq National Islamic Society (AlWefaq)National Democratic Action Society (Waad)National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)Unitary National Democratic Assemblage (Wahdawy)Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)/129