Bahrain shuts down main Shia opposition group

A Bahraini court on Tuesday announced a verdict to shut down the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, the main Shia opposition group, and freeze all its activities.

The Bahraini Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments said in a statement that an urgent verdict was issued by the High Administrative Appeals Court to suspend the group and take control of all its funds.

“According to the urgent verdict, the headquarters of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society will be shut down and all its funds will be seized by the ministry,” it said in a statement.

According to the statement, the association’s practices are against the principle of respect for the rule of law and the foundations of citizenship based on coexistence, tolerance and respect for others. It also said that the group “works within a political, religious and foreign framework”.

The ministry said the government’s main responsibilities is to safeguard the country and its people’s security and to achieve a better life for all citizens.

The ministry warned of the seriousness of organizations which operate according to external religious political reference, in reference to Iran.