Al Wefaq National Islamic Society issued the following statement on Wednesday 4th February 2015:
The war on media in Bahrain summarizes the wide political crisis that has turned the country into a big prison. Bahraini citizens feel unsafe when exercising fundamental rights such to freedom of opinion and expression.
The Bahraini opposition has included access to media as an essential right and freedom in its political project. With the current tightening on freedoms, impartial media outlets are finding it extremely difficult to operate and work in Bahrain.
The Authority in Bahrain is failing to tolerate criticism and dissent. A three minute interview on Alarab television channel was too much to tolerate for the Bahraini Authority. This is, indeed, a result of the absence of political reform and the marginalization of the people from decision-making.
Al Wefaq stresses on its demand for democratic transition to a constitutional monarchy where the people are the source of all powers. The people must enjoy the right to an elected government, a full power parliament, an independent and impartial judicial system, a diversified security system and right to security.
On this occasion, it is worth mentioning the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, paragraph 1724:
” The Commission makes the following recommendations with regard to media incitement issues.
- To consider relaxing censorship and allowing the opposition greater access to television broadcasts, radio broadcasts and print media. The continuing failure to provide opposition groups with an adequate voice in the national media risks further polarising the political and ethnic divide.
- To establish professional standards for the media and other forms of publications that contain an ethical code and an enforcement mechanism, designed to uphold ethical and professional standards in order to avoid incitement to hatred, violence and intolerance, without prejudice to internationally protected rights of freedom of expression.
- To undertake appropriate measures including legislative measures to prevent incitement to violence, hatred, sectarianism and other forms of incitement which lead to the violation of internationally protected human rights, irrespective of whether the source is public or private.”
Unfortunately, these recommendations remain on shelf after more than 3 years.