Press release

FCO statement on charges against Sheikh Ali Salman of Al Wefaq

FCO Minister highlights importance of following due process after court charges Secretary-General of Al Wefaq in Bahrain.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP
• Published: 21 January 2015

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A Bahraini court has charged Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary-General of Al Wefaq, for promoting the overthrow of the regime; changing of the political system by forceful means; incitement of the disobeying of laws; and public incitement to hate a sect of people.

The Minister for the Middle East, Mr Ellwood, said;

These are very serious charges. Sheikh Salman is a prominent politician who represents a registered political party in Bahrain. It will be most important that due process is fully followed, in accordance with Bahrain’s international legal obligations and international standards.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood on Twitter @TobiasEllwoodMP

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 21 January 2015