In a statement on Saturday, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said that at a time when everyone is consolidating common grounds to promote mutual understanding in politics, the leading opposition group, Al Wefaq, persists in its course which does not positively contribute to fostering a viable atmosphere for communication between political societies.
The statement came a day after the Interior Ministry announced that it filed a case against the society for calling its supporters to go ahead with a rally in midtown Manama despite a ban by the ministry. This led to clashes and disturbed traffic in the area on Friday.
“Many meetings are currently being held where political societies are strongly condemning all forms of violence, with the clear and outright denial of any religious or political cover for such sabotage activities,” Shaikh Khalid said, adding that raising the flag of peacefulness without any clear, absolute and open condemnation of violence renders such term devoid of substance.
“While seeking development one cannot provide political or legal cover for violence, and must extend utmost efforts along with all political and social powers to combat that violence as a religious and patriotic duty.”
