The criminalization of dissent in Bahrain

This statement followed a number of previously sent statements requesting the standards and measures which the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs claims Al Wefaq has breached so as to consider its general-assemblies void. Al Wefaq had also asked the ministry to mention the measures that should be followed to consider a general assembly valid. Also, Al Wefaq explained its representatives are ready to meet with the director of political societies affairs at the ministry and the Justice Minister in personal to listen and discuss the issue. However, the communicated statements received no reply from the Justice Ministry.
 
Al Wefaq learned the first hearing session was to be held from the press. When the court found that Al Wefaq had not been informed of the lawsuit, it decided to adjourn the hearing session to October 21st, 2014 requesting Al Wefaq be informed on the right address.
 
The Justice Ministry had communicated with the court requesting the hearing be proceeded at September 17th, 2014. At the same time, the Ministry ignored Al Wefaq’s request to look into the issue bilaterally, a clear indication of the Ministry’s lack of desire to solve such problems -if existent- and indicating the Ministry’s objective by pushing for a 3 month suspension of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society.
 
Al Wefaq reiterated its readiness to meet with officials in the Ministry of Justice and discuss and adjust any legal mistakes –if found- in its general assemblies.
 
Al Wefaq explains that it is persisting to communicate with the Ministry to demonstrate that the motive behind the lawsuit against it is political and has nothing to do with the legality of its general assemblies. Al Wefaq believes that this lawsuit is meant to intimidate it for its refusal of superficial meaningless reforms that would not change the structure of the current political system. By ignoring Al Wefaq’s communications, the Ministry of Justice has demonstrated, before the world, its hostility and intimidation to Al Wefaq and further entrenches what Human Rights Watch described as “criminalizing dissent”.