It is true that in our country journalists are not subject to the harshest of penalties. Unlike in many countries which pride themselves on press freedom, rarely are journalists in the Kingdom imprisoned for what they write.
What normally happens is that they are punished with temporary suspension from work, without involving the courts or the legal system.
This usually works in favor of the journalists since, in many cases, amicable settlements are sought which allow the penalty to be suspended or canceled altogether.
Although this situation may seem comfortable for the journalists, it nevertheless lacks any constitutional credentials. The matter is left to personal judgment and it is up to the authority looking into the case to decide what action should be taken. This gives the impression that things are always uncertain with no governing law or system despite the presence of a national information policy as well as laws dealing with publication and printing.
Journalists and writers find themselves confused and unable to determine what is punishable and what is not under the current system. The business of writing and running a newspaper is similar to being engaged in politics, and because writers and journalists are not always aware of the political situation, they may not be in a position to make a thorough evaluation of the circumstances.
Ultimately, they depend on their personal beliefs and judgment. Ours is a kind and merciful country. It is not so brutal that it puts itself on a collision course with the media. However, with the present ongoing process of legal and political reform, it is imperative to clarify how the media is subject to accountability.
This calls for establishing an authority that clearly defines the relations between the media and official circles. The two groups should refer any dispute that arises to an authority who will also put an end to officials acting as both judge and executioner. Freedom of the press calls for clear lines to be drawn between the two; both should work for the national interest and the terms of the relationship must be well-understood and adhered to.
Arab News From the Local Press 27 July 2003
