Opposition Figure: Continued Detention of Sheikh Salman to Prolong Bahraini Crisis

The deputy secretary-general of al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, Bahrain's main opposition bloc, said the continued detention of Sheikh Ali Salman, the secretary-general of the group, will only prolong the crisis in the Persian Gulf Arab country.

“Convicting Sheikh Ali Salman, is tantamount to convicting national unity, internal peace, moderation and public demands, which have been raised by the sheikh,” Sheikh Hussain Aldaihi said.

He also described recent trial of Sheikh Salman as “politically motivated” and said the verdict issued for the cleric has no legal value.

Sheikh Aldaihi further emphasized that the Manama regime tried to evade the Bahraini people’s political demands and revenge against the national leader (Sheikh Salman), who voiced the demands of the popular uprising.

Sheikh Salman was arrested in late December 2014 over alleged anti-regime incitements. Manama had accused him of seeking regime change and collaborating with foreign powers.

Earlier on June 16, a Bahraini court acquitted Sheikh Salman of the charge of trying to overthrow the government, but gave him a four-year jail sentence for other charges.

Insulting Bahrain's interior ministry and calling for defiance of the Arab country's laws, are among the charges for which the court sentenced him to 4 years in prison.

Sheikh Salman’s arrest triggered condemnation inside and outside Bahrain, with leaders, governments and international organizations across the world calling for his immediate release.

Bahrain has been the scene of almost daily protests against the Al Khalifa regime since early 2011, when an uprising began in the Persian Gulf kingdom.

Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others wounded and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on peaceful protests.



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