Bahrain court upholds dissolution of main opposition group
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An appeals court in Bahrain has upheld the dissolution of the country's main Shiite opposition group, al-Wefaq, in the latest government clampdown on its critics.
Rights group Amnesty International says authorities in Bahrain have not provided any credible evidence that al-Wefaq "is anything but a peaceful opposition movement" asking for reform.
In July, the High Civil Court found al-Wefaq guilty of supporting violence. The ruling called for al-Wefaq to be dissolved and for its assets to be liquidated.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned that decision, saying the government's efforts to suppress nonviolent opposition undermine Bahrain's cohesion and security. The Sunni-led Gulf Arab nation hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
Defense lawyers for al-Wefaq have 45 days to appeal Thursday's decision to the country's highest court.