Bahrain leader to stay 15 more days in custody

An opposition leader in Bahrain will be kept in custody for 15 more days pending investigation into charges of law violation, the prosecution announced Monday.

Ali Salman, secretary general of the Shiite Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, was detained Dec 28 after leading a protest rally against the November general elections which his party had boycotted, Xinhua reported.

He was charged with promoting political change using illegal means, explicitly inciting hatred against specific segments of society, inciting others to break the law and deliberately insulting the interior ministry.

His arrest prompted protests in many parts of Bahrain by his followers.

The UN high commissioner for human rights, along with some other international organisations, have demanded that Salman be immediately released.

Al Wefaq, in a statement Monday, warned that the continuation of the detention of its chief will lead to a political deadlock in Bahrain.

The country has been suffering instability and violence since 2011 with Shia protesters demanding more reforms and rights.