Bahrain said on Thursday it would seek court approval to dissolve the main Shi'ite opposition group Wefaq, a group with the most opposition seats in parliament.

"The Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs announced it is raising legal action to dissolve the Islamic Action party and Wefaq group," a statement on the Bahrain News Agency said.

"This is because of major violations of the constitution and laws of the kingdom, undertaking activities that harmed social peace, national unity, and inciting disrespect for constitutional institutions."     

Last month Bahrain's authorities launched a crackdown on anti-government protests, spreading security forces throughout the capital and calling in troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Wefaq won 18 seats in Bahrain's 40-seat elected parliament last year. It resigned its seats in parliament in protest over the government crackdown. - Reuters