Statement on al-Wefaq's general assembly issued in Bahrain

Al-Oruba Club, a social club in Manama, was recently booked by the Al-Wefaq political society as the location for its forthcoming General Assembly. While the club is available for use for social gatherings, it is strictly against the law for any social and sporting club to be engaged in events for political purposes of any form, a fact that is well known to both Al-Oruba Club and Al-Wefaq at the time of the booking.
Al-Oruba club did not notify the body concerned of its intention to host a political event and Al-Wefaq had not previously published details of its intended general assembly venue - The Office became aware of the booking through a letter that was sent today at noon. As a result, the body concerned formally contacted Al-Oruba Club to stress the law that prohibits political gatherings at its venues and to comply accordingly.
The Office welcomes Al-Wefaq’s holding of its long overdue annual meeting in order to regularise its legal status. The Office has offered to provide legal assistance required in identifying a suitable venue to Al-Wefaq or any other political society that may require guidance.
Article 63 of Decree Law 21/ 1989,relating to social and cultural associations, clubs and organisations working in the fields of youth and sports prohibits clubs from engaging in political or religious affairs
Source: BNA