The trial of journalist Naziha Saeed: Bahrain does not want independent reporters

nnnnnnnn-300x160LONDON, Bahrain Press Association, June 2, 2017: On Thursday (May 25, 2017), a Bahraini court imposed a fine of 1,000 dinars ($ 2,650) on journalist Naziha Said after being accused by the authorities of reporting to foreign media (France 24 and Monte Carlo International Radio) without a license.

The Public Information Authority (June 2016) refused to renew Said’s work permit as a reporter for France 24 and Monte Carlo International Radio, although she has been a TV reporter for more than 12 years.

Sharif Mansour, coordinator of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said that the decision has effectively silenced one of the most prominent journalists who transport the events of Bahrain to the international media.

Said’s lawyers announced their intention to appeal the decision, and the International France Media Group said they “will continue to support their reporter and to take in charge her defence expenses.”

The government of Bahrain says it is about the application of the law. However, the Bahraini Press Association, and according to the foreign reporter’s file, finds that the case is not as it seems. In actual fact, the Bahraini government wants external reporters to be an echo of the official version of all the events taking place in the country.

The Bahraini authorities had expressed their wish that the International France Media Group would appoint a new reporter in Bahrain, which was strictly rejected by the group.

Naziha Said is currently residing in France because of the pressure of the authorities. Said was one of the journalists who was arrested and tortured during a brutal security campaign in 2011. It is not known whether she will be able to return to work independently in Bahrain or will permanently reside in a voluntary exile like other journalists who have been forced to leave the country.

In its annual report, Reporters without Borders Organization (RSF) confirmed that “since 2016, Bahraini journalists working in international media are having difficulties to renew their accreditation. For foreign journalists, getting a visa to visit Bahrain is very complicated. “

On March 21, the Bahrain International Airport authorities arrested France Press Agency (AFP) former photographer Mohammed al-Sheikh  for 24 hours on his return from a holiday in India. Authorities did not provide any clarification on this procedure.

Reporters from international news agencies fear that Bahrain will harass them as it did with Said and Sheikh.