The Bahrain Press Association publishes its report titled: A Roadmap towards Enhancing Press Freedom in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Bahrain Press Association, London, UK – Tuesday 2 August 2022
The Bahrain Press Association publishes a special report titled: A Roadmap towards Enhancing Press Freedom in the Kingdom of Bahrain
This report aims at providing an objective reading of all Bahraini laws and legislation with regard to the regulation of press freedom in the Kingdom of Bahrain since the birth of Bahraini press until today. In addition, it seeks to consolidate the freedom of the press and its importance, as well as providing an analysis of the practical reality and obstacles to the work of the press, institutions and individuals. Moreover, it attempts to clarify the reasons that led to the decline in press freedoms while, on the other hand, providing practical recommendations for promoting positive practices and ensuring their development and improvement.
This report sheds light on the necessary intervention and reforms, hoping to provide a road map and helpful information for decision-makers in the state and the legislative authority to address the laws concerned. Likewise, it hopes to help the executive authority address critical problems and improve its practices. On the other hand, it is also hoped that this report serves as a reference for human rights organizations and those concerned with supporting freedom of the press, inside and outside Bahrain, to help them realize the legislative and executive reality of freedom of the press in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The report comprises three chapters: The first chapter surveys the history of the press and the progression of laws pertaining to it from the beginning up to the Decree-Law No. 48 of 2002. The second chapter lays out the administrative, legal and judicial obstacles and impediments and the criminal liability retraining the press practice in Bahrain. Finally, the third chapter concludes the report with recommendations about reform requisites.
The report stresses the necessity of a real political will on the part of the ruling establishment in Bahrain in order to correct the course and consolidate press freedoms; is an urgent necessity to proceed with any reform steps or initiatives. This will should be manifested in the immediate release of all those convicted in cases related to freedom of expression, and in the restoration of the Bahraini citizenship of all journalists whose nationalities have been revoked and giving them back the due recognition.
Moreover, the report emphasizes the need to reach a new press law based on two principles:
The first is the protection of the freedom of the press and the removal of any barriers facing its practice or publishing. That includes protecting journalists by removing all laws that deprive freedoms (imprisonment/detention) and preventing any referral of journalists to court in accordance with any other law. In addition, the criminal responsibility of journalists in connection with the performance of their work duties should be abolished, and accountability should be the prerogative of an independent syndicate. The second is the commitment of the press to carrying out its duties within the established constitutional limits and not exceeding its frameworks in a way that ensures preserving the components of society and the rights, freedoms and public duties.
As part of its “road map,” the Bahrain Press Association calls for the formation of a quasi-governmental body in which civil society institutions participate—in its membership, management and organization of work. This proposed initiative will reduce the government’s domination of the press and journalists.
Moreover, the existence of an independent press and journalists’ union/syndicate, which enjoys independence and clear and broad legal powers to regulate its affairs, is an urgent and necessary need. The work of the syndicate includes defending journalists and freedom of expression in its broader sense and contributing to monitoring and accountability in cases related to violations of the profession and transgression of its literature. Indeed, this will be a positive and reforming factor in Bahrain.
If the principle of separation of powers is one of the foundational principles of democracy, then it is a fortiori that the fourth authority (journalism) attains full independence of the executive authority and its hegemony. It should also enjoy its own entity (a union/syndicate) that regulates its affairs. Therefore, amending the Press and Publication Law has become imperative, including adding a chapter on the establishment and organization of the syndicate, its work and competencies, as well as ensuring its independence of the Ministry of Information.
This report is issued by the Bahrain Press Association, an independent organization established on 9th July 2011 and headquartered in London. The Association is concerned with advocating and defending the freedom of expression and press freedoms in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This report was produced with commendable funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (USA).
To read the full report, click here.