Bahraini Regime Holds Opposition Leader’s Second Trial


Bahraini Regime Holds Opposition Leader’s Second Trial

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Bahraini opposition leader, whose detention has sparked massive demonstrations in the Arab country, went on trial on Wednesday for a second time on alleged charges of plotting against the Al Khalifa regime.

Sheikh Ali Salman, the secretary general of Bahrain's main opposition bloc, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, was taken to court under tight security with helicopters flying overhead.

According to Bahraini sources, security forces prevented journalists and opposition figures from entering the court.

However, some delegates from the US, British and French embassies were allowed in the courtroom.

The Al Khalifa regime has been pressing ahead with its crackdown on opposition, after it arrested Sheikh Salman on December 28.

The 49-year-old cleric is charged with “promoting regime change by force, threats, and illegal means, and of insulting the Interior Ministry publicly,” said Bahraini prosecutor Nayef Mahmud.

The uprising in Bahrain began on February 14, 2011. Protesters initially called for political reforms and a constitutional monarchy. However, the demand later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the Al Khalifa family following its deadly crackdown on popular protests.

Scores of people have been killed in the crackdown and security forces have arrested hundreds including doctors and nurses. Dozens of demonstrators have also been sentenced to jail terms for attending street protests.

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