Manama: Bahrain is planning to allocate locations for rallies and gatherings.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the interior minister, said that a study would be launched to identify approved locations for rallies and gatherings.
The goal of this study is to determine which locations in Bahrain provide the best opportunities for freedom of expression without violating the rights of others or hindering public interests.
The minister said that the public security chief would oversee the identification of the locations and would meet representatives from various societies to brief them on the proposed sites and accompanying regulations.
However, the Capital Governorate will not be included in the study “as these activities in Bahrain’s top city lead to major property damage, hinder peoples’ day-to-day activities and affect the economy.”
In its statement, the interior ministry said that the Bahrain government was “dedicated to protecting citizens’ right to peaceful freedom of expression but that public gatherings cannot hinder the freedom and rights of others who need to go about their daily business.”
“The study is the beginning of a process that will help reinforce the rights and freedoms of the people and marks true, concrete democratic development within Bahrain.”
A national dialogue that brought together political societies, NGOs, the media, lawmakers, labour union and officials last year had recommended allocating special places for rallies.
