MEMBERS of a political society that was banned for violating Bahrain's constitution plan to lobby the government in a bid to have the decision overturned.

The High Civil Court last month found the Islamic Action Society (Amal) guilty of the offence, following a complaint by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry's office of political societies affairs that it had recorded numerous "grave and continuing breaches".

They included failing to hold the society's public convention for more than four years - the last of which was said to be invalid because it took place in a place of worship - and basing its resolutions on the teachings of a religious scholar, who called for violence and instigated hatred.

It was also accused of financial irregularities and failing to submit its annual balance sheet.

A society spokesman claimed the body did not have enough time to respond to the string of violations listed by the ministry, and said the members were planning to approach the government in a bid to persuade them to allow it to be legally reformed.

"We are at a stage where no one can do anything as the decision-makers of the society are in jail and the members have no clue how to go about this process," he said.

"We were a registered political society and not a radical group.

"At this moment, we want to sit with the ministry officials and amicably resolve the issue so that we can re-open the society."

The society's secretary-general Shaikh Mohamed Al Mahfoodh was earlier jailed for 10 years for being part of a plot to overthrow the regime, change the political system and for spreading lies and rumours, publishing photographs seeking to ruin Bahrain's image, taking part in illegal gatherings and possessing swords.

The spokesman said his absence had made it difficult for other members to take key decisions.

"Our main man is in jail and we are still trying to understand this process," he said.

"We were not even part of the coalition of five opposition groups, headed by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society."

"All we want is the authorities to understand our position and reconsider their decision."

Ministry officials said the society had been found guilty in a court of law of violating the country's constitution, and had no further comments to make.

sandy@gdn.com.bh