Bahrain to disband two opposition groups for threatening national unity

Bahrain to disband two opposition groups for threatening national unity

2011-04-15 01:16:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANAMA, BAHRAIN (BNO NEWS) -- Bahrain's Justice Ministry on Thursday informed that legal cases were filed against two Shia opposition groups for threatening national unity, a move aimed at disbanding and outlawing the organizations.

According to the state-run BNA news agency, the Bahraini government is seeking to disband the Islamic Action Society and Al Wefaq National Islamic Society for violating the constitution by carrying acts that threatened peace and national unity.

The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry remarked that the two Shia groups incited disrespect for state constitutional institutions. In early March, authorities banned the opposition newspaper Al-Wasat, a move to further crack down on anti-government protesters.

The government accused Al-Wasat of publishing "unethical and unprofessional" reports. It said the government had suspended the newspaper and would refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.

The ministry stressed that political groups should engage in acts that consolidate national cohesion, protect sovereignty, security and stability and promote the reform project of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahrain's social unrest began after protesters called for a "Day of Rage" on February 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, which returned the country to constitutional rule after the 1990s uprisings.

Initially, people took to the streets to demand reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy, but later they began to call for the removal of the royal family.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, is ruled by the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, but two-thirds of its population is Shiite.

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