US: Bahrain opposition leader’s arrest could ’inflame tensions’

The United States has expressed deep concern over the arrest of a prominent Bahraini opposition leader, warning that Shaikh Ali Salman’s detention could “inflame tensions” in the Persian Gulf kingdom.

“Opposition parties that peacefully voice criticism of the government play a vital role in inclusive, pluralistic states and societies,” US State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said in a statement late on Wednesday.

“We are concerned that this action against a senior leader of the opposition will only inflame tensions,” the statement said.

Salman, the secretary general of al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, was arrested on Sunday following 10 hours of questioning by police.

Bahraini prosecutors issued a statement on Thursday, saying they were interrogating Salman on charges that include spreading ideas to defy the regime and authorities.

“We strongly urge the Government of Bahrain to follow due process in this and all cases and abide by its commitment to transparent judicial proceedings conducted in full accordance with Bahraini law and Bahrain’s international legal obligations,” the State Department statement added.

Sheikh Salman is charged with "promoting regime change by force, threats, and illegal means and of insulting the interior ministry publicly", Bahraini prosecutor Nayef Mahmud said in a statement on Monday.

The Bahraini opposition group has called for the immediate release of Salman, describing his arrest as "an escalating step that targets social stability and civil peace in Bahrain."

Bahraini officials are "moving backward to a police state instead of taking steps towards a political solution and an end to serious human rights violations against citizens," said the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.

Bahrain's Justice and Development Movement has also condemned the detention of Sheikh Salman and warned that the opposition leader’s arrest is a dangerous escalation.

Bahrain has been the scene of almost daily protests against the Al Khalifa dynasty since early 2011, when an uprising began in the kingdom.