(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A Bahraini opposition leader will go on trial this month on charges of promoting violent regime change, the public prosecution and his lawyer said yesterday, in a move that could further inflame tensions in the kingdom.
Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Al Wefaq Islamic Society, was arrested on December 28 after leading a protest rally against elections that were held in November and which his party boycotted.
"Hearing has been set on 28/1/2015 before the high criminal court," Bahrain's public prosecution posted on its Twitter account. "Criminal prosecution for a political association ... on charges of promoting the overthrow and change of the political regime by force and threats," it added with reference to Sheikh Salman's charges.
Defence lawyer Abdallah Al Shamlawi said in a Twitter message that Salman was facing four charges including promoting regime change by force.
Washington, a close ally of Bahrain, has expressed deep concern over Salman's detention and his arrest has sparked protests at home.
The last demonstration was on Friday when around 150 protesters clashed with security forces in Manama. At least two people were wounded by tear gas canisters, and Al Wefaq sent journalists photographs of men wounded by bird shot.
The kingdom has been gripped by tension since a 2011 uprising by majority Shias demanding reforms and a bigger role in running the Sunni-led country.
Authorities quelled that revolt with support from other member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council but sporadic unrest has continued.
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