MANAMA, 7 November — A press law decreed by Bahrain’s King Hamad drew protests yesterday from journalists who charged it would limit their freedom of expression.
The new law, which came into effect on Sunday, stipulates that "everyone is free to express his opinion and broadcast it orally or in writing." But it adds that that opinion must not "slight the Islamic faith, the unity of the people or the king, or create division or religious differences."
Journalists protested an article in the law laying down prison terms of six months to five years for offenders.
Al-Wasat, an Arabic-language daily published by former Bahraini opposition activist Mansur Al-Jamri, noted the "contrast between the text of the draft as was drawn up by a committee and the definitive text of the law adopted."
Al-Ayyam journalist Sawsan Al-Shaer described the law as a "sword of Damocles" hanging over journalists’ heads. But Information Minister Nabil Al-Hamar said the law accorded the press its freedom while also protecting the freedom of the citizen. "We are talking of a responsible freedom. No step can be taken against journalists or newspapers without a court decision," Hamar said. (AFP)
