Bahrain Mirror: The New York Times reported that "the verdict to dissolve the Al-Wefaq Society marks one of the sharpest blows yet against civil society activists in the Sunni-ruled island nation", noting that Bahrain has witnessed a widespread wave of protests by the Shiite majority, demanding political reforms over the past five years.

The paper highlighted that the "violent and ongoing low-level unrest, still unbalances the kingdom, despite reforms, in the wake of the Arab Spring-inspired uprising."

According to the newspaper, The U.S. State Department swiftly condemned the decision. In a statement, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said, "The [Bahraini] government's recent steps to suppress nonviolent opposition only undermine Bahrain's cohesion and security, as well as the region's stability. These actions are inconsistent with U.S. interests and strain our partnership with Bahrain".

"We call on the Government of Bahrain to reverse these and other recent measures, return urgently to the path of reconciliation, and work collectively to address the aspirations of all Bahrainis," he further added.

The New York Times also quoted Brian Dooley, director of the Human Rights Defenders program at the Washington-based Human Rights First, who blasted Sunday's decision as the "government's single most repressive act of the last five years."

Moreover, Dooley asserted that the "decision is a dangerous mistake, leaving no real outlet for peaceful grievance left in Bahrain," adding that "the kingdom's government has told its people that from now on not only are you not allowed rights, you're not allowed to complain about it."

The Supreme Court in Bahrain had allegedly accused Al-Wefaq Society of several charges, including "opposing the legitimacy of the country's constitution and the legislative authorities, supporting violence, expressing "solidarity" with people convicted of inciting hatred against the regime, and assaulting and humiliating the judicial and executive bodies".

The decision made by the court called for the liquidation of Al-Wefaq Society's financial assets, and the transfer of its funds to the state treasury.

The US daily further stated it could not be immediately accessible to the representatives of the Assembly for comment. In this regard, the New York Times stressed how difficult it was to reach a member of Al-Wefaq Society to get comments and quotes in the aftermath of the court's decision to dissolve it.

Arabic Version