(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed that the imprisonment sentence handed down to Ali Salman, Secretary General of the Islamic National Wefaq Society, on June 16, relates to past criminal offences including incitement of hatred and violence. "Ali Salman was charged on December 28, 2014, following investigations into recordings of public speeches that included hate speech and encouraged the use of force against Bahrain's authorities," the ministry said in a statement.
"The sentence follows a comprehensive, independent and transparent trial and is wholly unrelated to any political views Ali Salman may hold. The ministry reaffirms that the defendant has the right to appeal the verdict at a higher court in accordance with due process." The ministry emphasized that peaceful freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are protected by Bahrain's constitution.
"The government is fully committed to a vibrant, pluralistic society in which political expression is protected and encouraged. The government also has a duty to protect citizens, residents, and visitors alike from hate speech and incitement to violence," the ministry said.
A Bahraini court, last Tuesday, sentenced Salman to four years behind bars for inciting sectarian hatred, threatening public order and peace.
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