MP urges legal action against Qatar for backing terrorism

Manama : First Deputy Speaker MP Ali Al-Aradi has urged legal action against the Qatari Government for its direct involvement in supporting radical groups in Bahrain. 

Al-Aradi urged the Government of Bahrain to file an international law suit against Qatar, seeking compensation for all those affected by the Qatari support for terrorism. 

“The radical groups have been involved since 2011 in the acts of violence, terrorism and incitement” Al-Aradi said, calling on the Government of Bahrain to set up a central committee to receive affected people’s complaints and to assess the losses inflicted upon the nation and citizens due to Qatar’s support for terrorism and extremist groups. 

He stressed the importance for the panel to document all cases and corroborate them with compelling evidence and figures proving the extensive damage incurred due to Qatar’s harbouring of terrorist groups. 

Al-Aradi urged the establishment of a specialized legal team to file cases and sue Qatar for its blatant interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs, breach of good neighbourliness and violation of national, regional and international legal covenants. 

“Consultations and contacts are underway at the Council of Representatives to undertake adequate legal action against the Government of Qatar and claim compensation,” he said, adding that steps would be unveiled soon. 

“The extent of the Qatari flagrant interference and involvement in the acts of terrorism in Bahrain is exposed through compelling facts and evidence.”

He said that the terrorist attacks, supported by the Qatari Government, have left dozens killed, including policemen, and thousands injured and incurred business losses. He urged to expedite legal action to claim compensation from the Qatari government for its subversive role and support for radical and terrorist groups. 

He also urged legal accountability, stressing the need to seek the assistance of Interpol to bring the accused to trial. 

Al-Aradi said that the Council of Representatives has a responsibility to protect national interests, citizens, traders, the security forces and the civil society from any subversive trends seeking to undermine security and destabilize the country.

“The Council of Representatives shall not waive the rights of the state, citizens and resident”, he said, urging an international lawsuit to reinstate rights. 

He commended the judiciary for playing its role, citing the announcement made by the Public Prosecutor who launched an inquiry into the leaked phone call which exposed the subversive role of former Qatari Premier and conspiracies with the terror-convict secretary-general of the dissolved Al-Wefaq.

“It is our responsibility, as MPs, to claim compensation for the losses incurred due to the Qatari-supported terrorism”, he said, stressing the intention to go beyond media pressure and take local and international legal action.

He said that the Qatari Government’s subversive policies and support to terrorism and radical groups are punishable by the international law, adding that anyone who takes part in terrorist attacks, supports them, incites or finances them is considered as a war criminal and shall stand trial before the International Criminal Law. 

“The representatives of people will not sit idly by while our beloved Kingdom is targeted,” he said. 

He debunked Qatar’s claims that it supports Bahrain’s stability and prosperity, adding that Doha has no right, whatsoever, to play the role of mediator.