(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Leaders of a religious Shi'ite council say they will continue operating, despite authorities taking legal action to suspend them.
A court case has been lodged against the Ulama Islamic Council, seeking its suspension, liquidation of assets and closing down of its offices.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry described the council as an illegal organisation that was set up in violation of the Constitution and law.
The move followed the council's continued "illegal activities" despite repeated warnings, claimed the ministry.
Sources said the council could appeal the decision if a court rules in favour of the ministry.
However, council head Shaikh Majeed Al Mesha'al said yesterday he has not received any official documents about the lawsuit. "We have not received anything from the ministry," he said.
"We heard about the lawsuit through the media and we are conducting our meetings and activities as normal."
The religious cleric refused to comment on the council's next move, but admitted it did not have a permit to operate.
"A permit or registration should not be asked for our council from any party," he said.
"Religious affairs should be separated from the intervention of any official party which can govern its views and directions.
"We at the council have a legitimate religious job, by the grace of God.
"We are not looking to gain a permit to operate.
"Mosques get a permit to build, but we do not need such a thing to operate."
Shaikh Al Mesha'al said the council functions as a private institution. He also dismissed claims the council has a sectarian agenda, and said they aimed to create a united Islamic society.
Meanwhile, sources said the council has the right to appeal any suspension decision issued by a court.
"The ministry has filed a lawsuit, which means a court session will be held on the matter," they said.
"It is not yet clear which courts will the case go to - whether ministerial, administrative or criminal.
"But the council will have the right to appeal the lawsuit in court."
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A court case has been lodged against the Ulama Islamic Council, seeking its suspension, liquidation of assets and closing down of its offices.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry described the council as an illegal organisation that was set up in violation of the Constitution and law.
The move followed the council's continued "illegal activities" despite repeated warnings, claimed the ministry.
Sources said the council could appeal the decision if a court rules in favour of the ministry.
However, council head Shaikh Majeed Al Mesha'al said yesterday he has not received any official documents about the lawsuit. "We have not received anything from the ministry," he said.
"We heard about the lawsuit through the media and we are conducting our meetings and activities as normal."
The religious cleric refused to comment on the council's next move, but admitted it did not have a permit to operate.
"A permit or registration should not be asked for our council from any party," he said.
"Religious affairs should be separated from the intervention of any official party which can govern its views and directions.
"We at the council have a legitimate religious job, by the grace of God.
"We are not looking to gain a permit to operate.
"Mosques get a permit to build, but we do not need such a thing to operate."
Shaikh Al Mesha'al said the council functions as a private institution. He also dismissed claims the council has a sectarian agenda, and said they aimed to create a united Islamic society.
Meanwhile, sources said the council has the right to appeal any suspension decision issued by a court.
"The ministry has filed a lawsuit, which means a court session will be held on the matter," they said.
"It is not yet clear which courts will the case go to - whether ministerial, administrative or criminal.
"But the council will have the right to appeal the lawsuit in court."
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