Bahrain Al Wefaq: Continued detention of Salman undermines opportunities for political solution

The Bahraini regime courts have decided to adjourn the trial of the opposition leader and Secretary General of AL Wefaq National Islamic Society, Sheikh Ali Salman, to 22nd April 2015 while he is to remain in detention. The High Criminal Court’s decision undermines opportunities for political solution and alerts of a further complicated and tensed crisis in Bahrain.

The politically-motivated trial of the opposition leader is to continue despite international concerns that his detention jeopardizes opportunities for stability and came as a result of his calls for democracy and respect of human rights.

Salman will complete 90 days in detention for reasons relating to a political speech he delivered late December calling for democratic transition through an absolute peaceful movement. Bahrain has been witnessing daily peaceful protests since his arrest.

Al Wefaq said Sheikh Ali Salman must be immediately released without preconditions, adding, the case must be cancelled given the illogical charges that cannot lead to his conviction. “The charges against Salman can only lead to his acquisition given the fact that they are based on his speeches and opinions in which he called for justice, equality and the building of a sate on the bases of democracy where the people are the source of all powers,” Al Wefaq stated.  The continued detention and trial of Sheikh Ali Salman represents a prosecution to the political majority that supports his political project for democracy in Bahrain, it added.

“Bahrain needs an inclusive and just political solution that guarantees for all Bahrainis to be the source of all powers,” Al Wefaq said, “The Bahraini Authority is urged to release all political prisoners and end the security solution to pave the way for a political solution to the crisis that is tiring the country.”




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