DUBAI - Detained Bahraini Shia opposition chief Sheikh Ali Salman is suspected of inciting hatred and violence, a minister said, warning against any escalation in protests that saw supporters clashing with police Monday.
News of the Al-Wefaq leader's arrest Sunday prompted hundreds of his supporters onto the streets of Shia villages outside the capital of the Sunni-ruled kingdom, leading to clashes with security forces.
Police have fired tear gas and birdshot to disperse them, many of whom had gathered in Salman's home village of Bilad al-Qadeem, witnesses said.
Salman has been mainly subjected to questioning for breaches of the law, including inciting hatred and violence, Information Minister Isa Abdulrahman al-Hammadi told AFP.
He is also being questioned about promoting political change using illegal and forceful means and for explicitly inciting hatred against specific segments of the society.
Authorities had been tight-lipped about Salman's whereabouts since summoning over violating certain aspects of the law.
Salman's lawyer, Abdullah al-Shamlan, tweeted Sunday that his client had been arrested and accused of inciting hatred against the regime and calling for its overthrow by force.
Shamlan said he was also accused of insulting the judiciary and the executive branch, sectarian incitement, spreading false news likely to cause panic and undermine security and participating in events detrimental to the economy.
He said he had not been allowed to attend Salman's questioning.
Hammadi said the government of Bahrain supports the right to free speech, which is protected by the constitution, but no country and no government can allow hate speech to go by unchecked.
He warned that any escalation in violence will be dealt with in accordance with the law in Bahrain where authorities clamp down on unauthorised protests.
A statement of opposition groups led by Al-Wefaq said Salman's detention is an escalating step that targets social stability and civil peace in Bahrain.
Authorities are moving backward to a police state instead of taking steps towards a political solution and an end to the serious human rights violations against citizens.
On Monday, clerics gathered in Imam al-Sadeq mosque in Al-Guful village, brandishing photographs of Salman, pictures posted on Al-Wefaq's Twitter account showed.
The party has demanded Salman's immediate release.
Several rights groups have also condemned Salman's arrest.
AFP
