Verdict in Al Wefaq's Ali Salman case in March

The Supreme Appeals Court yesterday set March 30 to announce its verdict in the case of Secretary General of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society Ali Salman. He was earlier sentenced to four years behind bars for inciting hatred among a segment of society, insulting the Interior Ministry and inciting non-compliance with the law.

His lawyers as well as the Public Prosecution have appealed the initial verdict, as they were not content with the outcome. Before announcing the ruling date, the judges at the Appeals Court had heard the closing argument of the defence. The defendant was also allowed to speak upon the request of the defence, but he, reading from a paper, gave a political speech instead.

Salman, 49, was earlier referred to trial over public statements he made on several occasions. Among the evidences presented against him were recordings of public speeches between 2013-2014 that promoted political change, confronting State authorities, calls to stage unlawful protests, in addition to incitement to non-compliance with the
law.