Iran Denounces Dissolution of Bahraini Opposition Group

“Such measures (dissolution of opposition group) by Bahrain’s government indicate that they (Manama rulers) are not after settling the existing dilemma and problems, and such conducts will further complicate the situation,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Sunday.

His comments came after the so-called administrative court in Manama ordered the dissolution of Shiite opposition group al-Wefaq and the seizure of its assets almost a month after the regime suspended its activities.

Slamming the new punitive action as “unconstructive”, the Iranian spokesman argued that such moves are aimed at “mounting organized pressure” on the moderate figures and movements.

Qassemi further noted that dissolution of moderate opposition groups and stripping the popular political and religious leaders of their Bahraini citizenship would not be in the Manama regime’s interests, adding, “Such behavior paves the way for those seeking non-peaceful approaches.”

He further called on the Al Khalifa officials to avoid adopting mere security measures, urging them to opt for confidence-building moves instead to prepare the ground for serious and constructive dialogue and increase unity in the Bahraini society.

The Bahraini justice ministry had suspended the opposition group’s activities on June 14.

Al-Wefaq’s secretary general, Sheikh Ali Salman, has been in prison since December 2014 on charges of attempting to overthrow the regime and collaborating with foreign powers, charges he has denied.