23 January 2008
(BCHR/IFEX) – BCHR has recently learned that the Ministry of Islamic
Affairs (MIA) has once again refused to approve distribution of the novel
“Omar . . . A Martyr” by Bahraini novelist Abdulla Khalifa. Omar Ibn
Al-Khattab was the second Islamic Caliph after the prophet Mohammed and is
regarded by Muslims as one of the “four righteously guided Caliphs”.
The Ministry of Information (MI) asked the MIA to evaluate the novel from a
23 January 2008
(BCHR/IFEX) – BCHR has recently learned that the Ministry of Islamic
Affairs (MIA) has once again refused to approve distribution of the novel
“Omar . . . A Martyr” by Bahraini novelist Abdulla Khalifa. Omar Ibn
Al-Khattab was the second Islamic Caliph after the prophet Mohammed and is
regarded by Muslims as one of the “four righteously guided Caliphs”.
The Ministry of Information (MI) asked the MIA to evaluate the novel from a
Sharia’ (religious) point of view. MIA did not approve the novel, alleging
that it defames a religious figure in a manner “fomenting sectarianism” in
the society. This is very much disputed by those who have managed to read
the novel.
BCHR’s source indicated that the MIA’s recommendation to ban distribution
of the novel was based on a sentence reading that “Ibn Al-Khattab wobbled”,
which was considered libel to the second Caliph.
This is the second novel by Khalifa banned in Bahrain. His earlier novel,
“Husain’s Head”, was put forward for publication inside Bahrain, but the MI
responded by prohibiting its publication. This attitude has forced writers
to seek publication outside Bahrain, as Khalifa did for his latest novel.
BCHR expresses concern over persistent censorship of all forms of freedom
of expression in Bahrain, including the publication of books and novels. An
earlier campaign by the international and local communities sought approval
for publication of a history book, “Memory Exploitations: In a Pluralistic
Society, Saddled with History”, by Dr Nader Kathem. It is a collection of a
series of historical articles published by the author in the local press.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling on them to lift restrictions on all forms of freedom of
expression by academics, researchers, novelists and journalists
– noting that this will require amendments to Press and Publication Decree
code no 47 of 2002 to ensure its compliance with international declarations
and covenants
APPEALS TO:
His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa
King of Bahrain
Riffa, Bahrain
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa
Cabinet Prime Minister
Fax: +97 3 1 721 1363
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
For further information contact Nabeel Rajab, Vice-President, BCHR, Manama,
Bahrain, tel: +973 3963 3399 / 3940 0720, fax: +973 1779 5170, e-mail:
nabeel.rajab@bahrainrights.org, info@bahrainrights.org, Internet:
http://www.bahrainrights.org
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of BCHR.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit BCHR.
