Bahraini Court Upholds Dissolution of Wefaq

Rasa - An appeals court in Manama upheld an earlier decision to dissolve the main Shiite opposition group in Bahrain as the Manama regime presses ahead with its crackdown on critics despite widespread censure.

News ID: 423805

Date: 22 September 2016 - 17:15

RNA - Back in June, a lower Bahraini court ordered the closure of al-Wefaq National Islamic Society’s offices, Bahrain mirror reported.

One month later, the court ordered the dissolution of the group over alleged accusations of "harboring terrorism," inciting violence and encouraging protests that threatened to spark sectarian strife. It further ruled that Wefaq’s funds must be seized by the Manama regime.

The move sparked criticism from the United Nations as well as the Al Khalifah regime's allies in Washington and London.

Amnesty International also condemned the court ruling as a "flagrant attack on freedom of expression and association and a brazen attempt to suppress criticism of the government in Bahrain."

"The Bahraini authorities have not presented any credible evidence that Wefaq is anything but a peaceful opposition movement which has been seeking reform in the country in the face of increasing government repression," said Amnesty's Research and Advocacy Director, Philip Luther.

Several rights groups have frequently censured Bahrain for rampant human rights abuses against opposition activists and anti-regime demonstrators.

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