The National Democratic Opposition Parties stress that the lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry to suspend the activities of Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society for three months is another attack on legal political activism in Bahrain. With such oppressive measures, the country will only be taken into a stiffer deadlock than it already is now. This arbitrary decision comes in the shadow of the continued incitement of hatred by the state and quasi-state media as well as state officials.
The opposition parties stand by Al Wefaq against any reprisal measures taken against the Society or its leaders and cadres. However, we warn that any reprisal measures may push the country to instability.
We also warn of the foolishness of ending political activism in Bahrain and targeting the leaders of the political societies. The regime must be reminded of the statement made by Ms. Navi Pillay, the UN HCHR where she described the trials to be “political persecution” against dissidents. More than two years have past on the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry that considered dissidents who were prosecuted in Bahrain courts prisoners of conscience, however, they remain in jail today.
By suspending the activities of Al Wefaq, the regime will be technically emptying the National Action Charter from its context. This step tops off the unilateral 2002 constitution and the powerless legislative council, which is based on unfair electoral districts in one half and appointed members in the other half.
The regime’s attempts to cross out political activism aims to silence criticism of the upcoming elections that are considered a coup against a political process in the country. The elections are also a clear marginalization of the opposition that has wholly decided to boycott it as long as the regime is restricting rights and freedoms and perpetrating human rights violations.
The opposition parties call on the regime to reverse these steps and to end the attempt to take Al Wefaq to court, based on malicious and unrealistic accusations. The regime must stop its mockery in political activism and its interference based on its arbitrary understanding of the societies law. The regime’s attempts to create a distorted situation will only widen the political and sectarian tension and will threaten social stability and civil peace.
Manama- 21 July 2014
National Democratic Opposition Parties
Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society (AlWefaq)
National Democratic Action Society (Waad)
The National Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomi)
National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)
Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)
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