Bahrain opposition loses appeal against dissolution

Manama : Bahrain's top court rejected on Monday an appeal by the country's main opposition group Al-Wefaq against its dissolution over terrorism-related charges, a judicial source said.

The court of cassation "denied the appeal against the dissolution of Al-Wefaq and the seizure of its assets," the source said.

The decision comes three months after the Gulf kingdom's largest formation appealed a court order to dissolve it over charges of inciting violence, encouraging demonstrations and "harbouring terrorism".

Al-Wefaq leader Sheikh Ali Salman has been behind bars since 2014 after being convicted of inciting hatred.

Al-Wefaq was the largest group in parliament before its lawmakers resigned in 2011 calling for an elected government.