IAA denies Khalil Marzooq detention is political

Manama: The Information Affairs Authority (IAA) has denied media reports that Khalil Marzooq had been detained for political activities or speech-related charges.

“For many years, Khalil Marzooq has carried out his political activities unhindered both in and out of parliament, in and out of Bahrain, freely expressing views critical of government policy – a right enshrined in Bahrain’s constitution and guaranteed by its laws,” the IAA said in a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The investigation was over “his links to an extremist group calling itself the Coalition of 14 February Revolution Youths. This group has claimed responsibility for a car bomb that detonated in the main financial district of the capital city Manama on April 14, 2013. It has repeatedly incited and glorified attacks against police and civilians on a daily basis,” the IAA said.