Al Wefaq Lawyers withdraw from case

Manama : The High Administrative Court has adjourned the case against Al Wefaq Islamic Society until July 11 following the withdrawal of its lawyers. 

The defending lawyers decided to withdraw from the case after the judges at the High Administrative Court denied their request for access to the society’s premises.

Lawyers alleged that they wouldn’t be able to prepare their defence without having their request met. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments were the only ones present while hearing the case.

Thus the court adjourned the case, despite calls from the plaintiff’s representatives to book a ruling date. 

The society was put on trial after the Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa filed a case against it, accusing it of breaching the political societies law and supporting terrorist groups.

Society was forced to freeze its activities and shut down its premises following the plaintiff’s request to have it liquidated. The Minister has also requested the court to dissolve the society. 

The accusations against the society include calling for foreign interventions in the country’s affairs, doubting the legislative authority and prejudicing the judiciary as well as operating within the framework of external religious reference.