Gulf | Bahrain
Journalists rally behind blogger sued by minister
The Bahrain Journalists Association called for a full mobilisation of journalists and rights activists in support of blogger Mahmoud Al Yousuf who faces charges levelled by the incumbent Agriculture and Municipalities Minister.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 April 16, 2007
- Image Credit:
- Mahmoud Al Yousuf, in his blog last December, ridiculed a statement by the newly-appointed Mansoor Bin Rajab.
Manama: The Bahrain Journalists Association has called for a full mobilisation of journalists and rights activists in support of blogger Mahmoud Al Yousuf who faces charges levelled by the incumbent Agriculture and Municipalities Minister.
The association also warned in a statement on Sunday that it would seek support from the international media organisations on the case, which, it said, targeted freedom of expression and speech in Bahrain.
"The Bahrain Journalists Association [BJA] urges all journalists and civil society organisations to gather at High Criminal Court on Tuesday to express their solidarity with the blogger," the statement said.
E-attack
Al Yousuf has been summoned to the court on Tuesday after the minister reneged on an accord brokered by BJA to end a stand-off.
Last December, Al Yousuf in his blog ridiculed a statement by the newly-appointed Mansoor Bin Rajab in which he praised the performance of his ministry during the heavy rain that flooded several areas.
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But the minister, deeming the remarks offensive sued the blogger despite initial success by BJA in reaching a compromise.
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