Bahrain: Shiite opposition leader questioned

Image
AP Manama
Last Updated : Dec 29 2013 | 1:05 AM IST
Bahrain authorities summoned the head of the country's main Shiite opposition bloc today for questioning on allegations of incitement, a move that could inflame tensions in the tiny Western-allied Gulf kingdom.
The Ministry of Interior said in a statement on its official Twitter feed that Ali Salman of Al Wefaq was summoned to address comments he made in a sermon last day that allegedly "contained sectarian language to incite hatred." It said his comments also incited hatred against the government and promoted rioting and vandalism.
The public prosecution issued a separate statement saying that Salman was released from custody but is barred from travelling abroad while prosecutors consider the case. The ministry did not say what specific comments prompted the inquest.
Al Wefaq confirmed that Salman was summoned. It criticised what it said was a "series of illegal measures" by authorities.
Al Wefaq has been a major driver in Arab Spring-inspired protests that began in February 2011 in the strategic island nation, which is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet. More than 65 people have been killed since the unrest began against the Sunni-led monarchy. Some rights groups place the overall death toll higher.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 29 2013 | 1:05 AM IST

Next Story