Closing arguments to be heard in Qatar conspiracy case

The High Appeals Court has adjourned the trial of Shaikh Ali Salman, the former secretary general of the now dissolved Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, who is accused of conspiring with Qatar against the Kingdom, to hear the Public Prosecution’s closing arguments.

Three opposition members have been tried in connection with this case including two former Al Wefaq MPs – Hassan Ali Sultan and Ali Al Aswad. They have been accused of spying on behalf of a foreign country. They were cleared by the High Criminal Court, but Attorney General Osama Al Oufi lodged the appeal citing there was adequate proof to upturn their clearance.

Shaikh Salman has been accused of receiving money in exchange for revealing state and military secrets, including information about GCC forces in Bahrain. The case is connected to phone conversations dating back to 2011 between Qatari officials and senior members of Al Wefaq. Al Oufi argued earlier that the cleric knew he was breaking the law by having contact with the Qatari government.