MANAMA: Bahrain’s attorney general Nayef Yousef Mahmoud confirmed that Al-Wefaq secretary general Ali Salman has been remanded in custody pending further investigation by the Public Prosecution.
The charges related to promoting political change using illegal forceful means – under article 160 of Bahrain’s Penal Code; explicitly inciting hatred against specific segments of the society – under article 172 under the Bahrain’s Penal Code; incitement to non-compliance with the law – under article 173 under Bahrain’s Penal Code and deliberate defamation of a statutory body – under article 216 under Bahrain’s Penal Code.
The attorney general said that the Public Prosecutor’s office had initially been provided with information regarding the potential offences by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Evidence, which concerned a series of recent statements and pronouncements by Ali Salman.
He added that the content and nature of Ali Salman’s statements had significantly escalated from incitement and hate speech, ultimately to threats of military force against the state, including the imminent option to deploy methods currently used by armed groups operating elsewhere in the region.
The attorney general said that the Public Prosecution had promptly launched an investigation, examining recordings of Ali Salman’s speeches and statements, which, following questioning had resulted in his detention pending further investigation and formal charging by the Public Prosecutor.
The attorney general concluded by confirming Ali Salman was questioned in the presence of four lawyers, had been provided with opportunity meet his legal team in private and would be afforded every legal right as the process continues.