by Mridula Tirumalasetti

Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain—Shia opposition leader, Sheikh Ali Salman, has been sentenced to four years in prison by a Bahraini court for “insulting an official body,” that being the interior ministry. The country’s public prosecutor stated that Salman was also convicted for the “explicit incitement against a group of the people, including disturbing the public peace and explicit incitement toward disobeying the law,” He has been acquitted of seeking to overthrow the Sunni-ruled monarchy and change the political system, for which he could have been jailed for life. Salman does have the chance to appeal, said his defense attorney, Abdullah al-Shamlawi.

Salman, a 49-year old Muslim cleric and head of the al Wefaq Islamic Society, was arrested and detained on December 28 after delivering a series of speeches that called for political reform. Salman had just been re-elected as the party leader.

Salman’s arrest was condemned by states such as United States and Iran, and by human rights groups. Additionally, protests ensued throughout Bahrain. Human rights groups called Salman a “prisoner of conscience” and say that abuses in the country are continuing unabated.

Amnesty International said that Salman’s conviction violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Bahrain is a signatory of. Middle East and North Africa deputy director, Said Boumedouha stated that Salman’s conviction is “another clear example of Bahrain’s flagrant disregard for international obligations.” He continued, “Sheikh Ali Salman has been sentenced solely for peacefully expressing his opinion.”  The organization urged for the immediate release of Salman.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Bahrain has been struck by unrest and instability in the form of protests and demonstrations. Shia Muslims in the country have demanded a more representative government and a constitutional monarchy. There have been at least 89 deaths due to clashes with security forces. Hundreds of others have been arrested and put on trial.

For more information, please visit:

The Guardian—Bahrain opposition leader Ali Salman sentenced to four years in jail—16 June 2015

The Independent—Sheikh Ali Salman: Bahrain opposition leader jailed for four years day after UK minister ‘opens’ Royal Navy base in kingdom—16 June 2015

The Daily Star—Hezbollah denounces Bahrain’s ‘malicious’ jailing of opposition chief—16 June 2015

BBC News—Bahrain opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman jailed—16 June 2015