Ahlul Bayt News Agency - The National Democratic Opposition Parties received the decision by the Information Affairs Authority to “suspend Alwasat newspaper until further notice” with great concern. The decision comes in clear violation to Article 28 of the Press and Publications Law which prohibits the suspension and expropriation of newspapers or the revocation of license unless by a judicial judgment. However, the Information Affairs Authority continues to ban freedom of opinion in effort to silence opposing voices.
The opposition parties outline that this decision breaches Bahrain’s constitution, National Action Charter, the national press and media law as well as all related international declarations. The official measure taken against Alwasat newspaper is unacceptable and reminds the public of the period of state of emergency declared in 2011.
Alwasat newspaper represented a commendable proficient voice on the national, Arab and international levels, as well as among organizations concerned with the freedom of press. It is therefore of great jeopardy for such suppressive policy to continue to undermine the remaining margin of freedom of opinion and expression in Bahrain, especially that most party-press licenses have been revoked. Thus, this measure signals a new phase of suppression of opinion where journalists could be put behind bars and prosecuted based on their opinions.
The Information Affairs Authority in Bahrain must end its double-standard policy in the evaluation of the national newspapers work, as it turns a blind eye to newspapers that spread hate and incitement between the factions of Bahraini society. It must also reverse its decision against Alwasat newspaper and work to face sectarian sedition and hatred instead.
Manama- August 7th, 2015
Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society (Alwefaq)
National Democratic Action Society (Waad)
National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)
National Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomi)
Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)
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source : al Wefaq
Saturday
8 August 2015
5:26:29 AM
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The opposition parties outline that this decision breaches Bahrain’s constitution, National Action Charter, the national press and media law as well as all related international declarations.