MOSCOW, January 5 (Sputnik) — The detention of Bahraini opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman has been extended 15 days, Bahraini Public Prosecution Office said Monday.
"Secretary General of a Political Society shall be detained for 15 more days pending investigation," Bahrain Public Prosecution wrote on its official Twitter page, referring to Sheikh Ali Salman, the leader of opposition party Al-Wefaq.
On Sunday, the Bahraini Prosecution Office refused to release the opposition leader on bail.
Sheikh Ali Salman was arrested on December 28, in Bahrain. Charges of "inciting violent change of regime through threats and illegal practices," as well as "public insult of the Interior Ministry" were brought against Salman the next day. The move aroused concern in the United Nations, the European Union and the United States.
After Salman's arrest, Shiite opposition supporters gathered during a January 4 unauthorized rally to demand his release. Bahraini police dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas.