Manama: A court in Bahrain on Wednesday postponed the trial of Ali Salman, the secretary general of Al Wefaq Society, to June 16.
Advocate General Wael Buallay said the Higher Criminal Court would issue its verdict in the case of the suspect arrested in December and facing charges of promoting political change using illegal forceful means and threats, inciting non-compliance with the law and publicly inciting hatred.
The case was referred to the court following the conclusion of investigations by the Public Prosecution and the charges levelled against the defendant were in full accordance with Bahrain’s Penal Code, Buallay said.
The investigations looked into recordings of public speeches and sermons that promoted extremist views that constituted a clear contravention of the law, he added.
“Evidence underpinning the charges also included public statements delivered by the defendant that incited violence and encouraged the use of force against Bahrain’s authorities, referring to such acts as a religious duty,” the advocate general said in a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
During the trial, the Public Prosecution reaffirmed the seriousness of the charges levelled against the defendant and requested that in accordance with Bahrain’s penal code, the court issue the maximum penalty available.
Buallay said the defendant had been afforded full legal rights and provided with the opportunity to meet his family and his legal team throughout the trial.
The court had heard from both prosecution and defence witnesses and the recordings of the defendant’s public statements and sermons, as well as the minutes of the trial, had been provided to the defence team.
Buallay added the court had previously ordered all evidence presented before it to be shared with the defence team and directly with the defendant while in detention.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of the trial session on June 16.
BY: HABIB TOUMI,BUREAU CHIEF
