A SENIOR member of Bahrain's Shi'ite opposition has been cleared of terrorism charges, a move that could help stalled talks with the government to try to end months of sporadic unrest.
Khalil al-Marzouq from the al-Wefaq party was one of a number of opposition figures and activists detained since majority Shi'ite Muslims led mass protests in 2011 demanding a greater role in running the Sunni-ruled island kingdom.
"My innocence was inevitable from day one," he said outside the court after the verdict.
"The political process has to develop and become effective for us to lead Bahrain to the shores of safety through negotiations and a comprehensive process that serves the interests of all the citizens of Bahrain," he said.
Protests and clashes continue almost daily in the country that hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.
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