Man arrested for inviting public to take part in rally

Manama : A Bani Jamrah resident was arrested yesterday for calling upon the people of Riffa on local social networks to take part in a rally.

The message titled “Stance of Riffa Residents Against Traffic Law” invited people for a rally on Shaikh Zaid Highway near Aali. The rally was planned to be organised on yesterday between 12pm and 4pm. The man called upon drivers to block the vital road in the direction of the nearby General Directorate of Traffic.

In his message, he called for reconsidering the speed limits of some of the Kingdom’s roads, install timers on traffic signals and to remove all traffic fines that were registered before his demands are fulfilled.

“In case these demands aren’t answered, we’ll organise another gathering on April 26. We should express our rejection to the traffic laws and procedures and take a one man stand against them. The rally needn’t be licensed,” the man said in his message.

Speaking to DT News, a spokesperson of the directorate refused to comment on the message as it came from an unknown source”.

Busted

Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security General Director Colonel Bassam Al Miraj confirmed the man’s arrest in a statement issued yesterday.

“The man was arrested at his house in Bani Jamra and legal action is being taken to refer the case to the Public Prosecution,” Col. Al Miraj said.

 “Such acts are punishable under Article 13 of Law 32 of 2006 which includes amendments to certain provisions of Law 18 of 1973 on public meetings, rallies and gatherings,” he said.

The official asked people not to follow such calls as taking part in such rallies is considered as an illegal activity.