Manama: Al Wefaq, Bahrain's largest society, has called upon the authorities to reverse their decision to block its website.

The information affairs authority on Friday morning banned access to the site, saying that it violated regulations.

"The decision was taken based on violations of the constitution, Press and Publication Law 47, the Societies' Law and other existing regulations," Abdullah Yateem, the head of publications, said in a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

According to the official, Al Wefaq should set the best example in respecting and applying the law.

"Al Wefaq has members in the lower chamber whose task is to enact laws and ensure they are properly enforced, and not to violate legislation and encourage others to break the law," he said.

However, Al Wefaq said that the ban on access to its site aimed to "limit its field for expression and the possibility to communicate in a civilized manner with others."

Husain Al Daihi, the deputy head of Al Wefaq, said that the block could be linked to a decision by the society to launch an audio-visual service on its site.

Bahrain does not have an audio-visual or an online law and the 2002 Press Law is limited to print media.

Al Wefaq has 17 members in the 40-seat lower chamber and is aiming to secure at least the same number in the elections to be held on October 23 after announcing a list of 17 candidates.