The Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs said in a statement it would seek a court approval to disband Wefaq, which won 18 seats in the 40-seat Parliament in last year's election.

The government move followed the arrest of more than 300 activists and the mass sacking of workers from state companies for taking part in protests demanding more freedoms, an end to discrimination and a constitutional monarchy.

The government has also clamped down on bloggers and sacked senior editors from Bahrain's only independent newspaper.

The ministry statement said the action against Wefaq was prompted by "major violations of the constitution and laws of the kingdom and for undertaking activities that harmed social peace, national unity and incited disrespect for constitutional institutions."

Last month Bahrain's government crushed weeks of protests, deploying security forces throughout the capital and calling in troops from Gulf neighbors.

The government had not previously targeted Wefaq, which has called for a constitutional monarchy but did not join other smaller groups which demanded the overthrow of the ruling family during the protests.

Wefaq mobilized more than 100,000 protesters during peaceful marches when the government still allowed gatherings. It won 18 seats in Bahrain's 40-seat elected Parliament last year, while complaining of gerrymandered electoral districts to prevent candidates demanding democratic reform from taking a majority. It resigned its seats in Parliament in protest over the government crackdown.