Al-Wefaq secretary general remanded in custody

Manama, Dec. 29 (BNA)-- Bahrain attorney general Nayef Yousef Mahmoud today confirmed that Al-Wefaq secretary general Ali Salman has been remanded in custody pending further investigation by the Public Prosecution on charges relating 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 of the Penal Code -, incitement to non-compliance with the law – under Article 173 of the Penal Code -, and deliberate defamation of a statutory body - under article 216 of the Penal Code. The attorney general said that the Public Prosecutor's office had initially been provided with information by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Evidence, regarding the potential offences which concerned a series of recent statements and pronouncements by Ali Salman. He added that the content and nature of his 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 confirmed that Ali Salman was questioned in the presence of four lawyers, that he had been provided with the opportunity to meet his legal team in private and that he would be afforded every legal right as the process continues.