Do not politicise charity works: MP

Manama : A Bahraini lawmaker called for not politicising charity works, accusing a charity organisation of being driven by political movements.

Parliament’s Services Committee Chairman Abbas Al Madhi accused Bahrain Red Crescent Society of aiding families that follow certain political parties, while ignoring other needy families.

“Charity and humanitarian works shouldn’t be affected by politics,” Al Madhi insisted.

“We have warned the society previously regarding such behaviours. We have proof that Bahrain Red Crescent Society refused assisting needy Bahraini families due to pure political reasons. This will not be tolerated anymore and we have notified Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan about the matter,” he told DT News.

Al Madhi described the society’s behaviour as “political blackmailing.” 

“We got complaints from citizens, informing that they were deprived of receiving aid for the Holy Month of Ramadan because of their support to certain individuals during the parliamentary and municipal elections at the end of 2014,” he said.

The MP informed that the society receives financial support from Labour and Social Development Ministry to aid needy Bahraini families. He warned the society of involving itself in political activities. “This is a rejected and dangerous indicator,” he commented.

Al Madhi added, “Legal steps will be taken against the society in case no immediate measures are taken to stop the involvement of some of its members in politics. Bahrain Red Crescent Society has a good reputation regionally and internationally, and such behaviours are not accepted.”

DT News tried to reach the society officials, but they were unreachable.