GDN:High Court defends decision to block ‘Bandargate’ reports

Published: 11th October 2006

MANAMA: The High Criminal Court yesterday defended its decision to ban the publishing in Bahrain of any news, comments or information relating to the case against Dr Salah Al Bandar, for allegedly seizing government papers and stealing two private cheques.

It said the decision was taken to safeguard legal procedures involving the case, but may be reviewed later.

The response followed a letter to the court from editors-in-chief of the country’s leading newspapers, urging that the ban be lifted.

“In reference to your request to reconsider the court order banning any publication involving the case of Salah Abbas Al Bandar, Number 951 for the year 2006, I would like to clarify the following,” said a letter signed by the court president and two judges.

Published: 11th October 2006

MANAMA: The High Criminal Court yesterday defended its decision to ban the publishing in Bahrain of any news, comments or information relating to the case against Dr Salah Al Bandar, for allegedly seizing government papers and stealing two private cheques.

It said the decision was taken to safeguard legal procedures involving the case, but may be reviewed later.

The response followed a letter to the court from editors-in-chief of the country’s leading newspapers, urging that the ban be lifted.

“In reference to your request to reconsider the court order banning any publication involving the case of Salah Abbas Al Bandar, Number 951 for the year 2006, I would like to clarify the following,” said a letter signed by the court president and two judges.

“The above-mentioned decision was out of keenness on the legal procedures involving the case.

“The court order may still be reconsidered in due time, for the media to play its role.”

© Gulf Daily News