Dubai: A court in Bahrain on Wednesday postponed the trial of Ali Salman, the secretary general of Al Wefaq Islamic Society to February 25.
Bahrain’s Advocate General Haroon Al Zayani said that the trial began at the Higher Criminal Court and that during proceedings, Ali Salman “stated his defence against all charges, following which a legal team requested his immediate release.”
“The case remains under review and next session of the trial was scheduled for February 25,” Al Zayani said.
“The case was referred to the court following the conclusion of investigations by the Public Prosecution which led to the defendant being charged with promoting political change using illegal forceful means and threats, in addition to inciting non-compliance with the law. The defendant was also charged with publicly inciting hatred, an act which had disturbed public peace,” he said in a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Al Zayani added that the charges were levelled against the defendant, in full accordance with Bahrain’s penal code, following investigations into recordings of public speeches and sermons that promoted extremist views, a clear contravention of the law.
“Evidence underpinning the charges also included public statements delivered by the defendant that incited violence and encouraged the use of military force against the Kingdom’s authorities, referring to such acts as a religious duty,” he said.
“The Public Prosecution had afforded the defendant all legal rights during his investigation, and that he had been provided with the opportunity to meet his legal team and his family throughout his questioning and subsequent trial. The defendant will remain in detention until the next session of the trial,” Al Zayani said.
