Bahrain opposition leader Ali Salman referred to court

Bahraini opposition leader and General Secretary of Al Wefaq National Society Ali Salman was referred to court after investigation on charges of spreading political change using unlawful violence, Bahrain announced Monday.

Attorney general Nayef Yousif Mahmoud said in a statement on Bahrain News Agency that Public Prosecution has formally concluded its investigation into charges of spreading political change using unlawful violence and threats, as well as other related charges.

The case has been referred to the Higher Criminal Court, and the trial will start January 28.

Public Prosecution said that it investigated a complaint made by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and questioned the defendant in the presence of his lawyers.

The defendant was presented with evidence supporting the charges, including recordings of public speeches calling for political change, confronting state authorities, staging illegal protests, in addition to calls to defy the law.

During proceedings, Public Prosecution noted that the defendant, justifying all as a religious duty, was publically spreading extremist views and encouraging the use of force against Kingdom authorities.

The attorney general further confirmed the defendant held meetings overseas with arms dealers, further proof for a call for violent unrest in Bahrain. The defendant acknowledged the content of the statements.

He was arrested on December 28 and remanded in custody pending investigations until today. Al Wefaq has declared in a statement that Ali Salman has denied all charges. Endit