Mr. Khalil Al-Marzooq, political assistant of Al-Wefaq Secretary General, is facing vengeful charges in order to impose more restrictions on non-violence advocates in Bahrain’s opposition.
The defence team says that much of the evidence, presented by the General Prosecution against Mr. Al-Marzooq, seems to have been prepared and collected long before the trial began.
Furthermore, the General Prosecution and Ministry of Interior have both contributed to creating a false picture by presenting speeches of Mr. Al-Marzooq but having removed the word “non-violence”. This is despite it being a word commonly used by Mr. Al-Marzooq in all of his speeches and public appearances.
During the court session of 22nd May 2014 (the 7th hearing), Mr. Al-Marzooq’s defence team presented strong evidence, including recordings and transcripts of his speeches, proving his advocacy of non-violent protest. Video footage was played that showed Mr. Al-Marzooq denouncing bombings and encouraging youths to adopt only peaceful forms of protest to achieve their demands.
“The speech for which Al-Marzooq was detained and is now being prosecuted is in itself evidence to drop all charges.” The defence panel said. They added that such a biased politicised trial proves the extent to which political activity is being targeted in Bahrain.
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