Gulf | Bahrain
'Journalists need freedom to express themselves'
A Bahraini rights watchdog yesterday urged the newly-formed parliament to enact a modern press law to give journalists more freedom and independence.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 December 12, 2006
Manama: A Bahraini rights watchdog yesterday urged the newly-formed parliament to enact a modern press law to give journalists more freedom and independence.
"The Bahrain Human Rights Society looks forward to concrete steps from the Council of Representatives to enact a modern press and publishing law that gives journalists and media people the freedom to express themselves without restraints or prison threats," the society said in a statement marking International Human Rights Day.
"We also hope the law will drop the exorbitant financial conditions that prevent media diversity," it added.
Although Bahrain has a commendable number of newspapers and magazines, the controversial 2002 press law, which superseded the press law of 1965 banning criticism of state interests in the broadest sense, stipulated fines and prison terms for journalists guilty of press offences.
Journalists have been calling for the repeal or the amendment of the law. But deputies in the outgoing parliament, troubled by criticism about their lacklustre performance and attacks by liberal journalists have dodged the calls and a press proposal tabled by Shura Council member Ebrahim Bashmi.
Newly-elected Member of Parliament Jalal Fairuz has called for the establishment of a human rights committee within the legislative body. It would study laws and systems related to human rights, suggest amendments, conduct field research and cooperate with the authorities to promote human rights awareness, the Al Wefaq deputy said in a statement to Gulf News.
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