Manama: A court in Bahrain postponed the trial of the secretary general of Al Wefaq Society to April 22.
Lawyers for Ali Salman fielded more than 150 questions over six hours at the trial session on Wednesday.
“During the trial, the court heard the testimony of the prosecution witness, who confirmed that the defendant had committed the crimes he has been charged with,” Bahrain’s Advocate General Haroon Al Zayani said. “Recordings of the defendant’s public speeches and sermons incited violence and encouraged the use of force against the Kingdom’s authorities, in addition to inciting non-compliance with the law. The court allowed the defendant’s defence to question the witness,” he said.
Ali Salman was arrested on December 28 and his case had been referred to the court following the conclusion of investigations by the Public Prosecution. He was charged with promoting political change using illegal forceful means and threats, in addition to inciting non-compliance with the law, Al Zayani said.
“The defendant was also charged with publicly inciting hatred, an act which had disturbed public peace. 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, which constitute a clear contravention of the law,” he said. “Evidence underpinning the charges also included public statements delivered by the defendant that incited violence and encouraged the use of force against the Kingdom’s authorities, referring to such acts as a religious duty.”
As the Higher Criminal Court set the next trial date to April 22, the defendant will be remanded in custody, Al Zayani said.
“The next session will hear the testimony of defence witnesses and the court has shared the minutes of the trial with the Public Prosecution and the defence.”
Al Zayani said the defendant had been given full legal rights, and provided with the opportunity to meet his family and legal team throughout the trial.
