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Campus ‘spying’ sparks row
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 4th June 2008
AN American university in Bahrain yesterday denied accusations that it has been spying on students by putting security cameras in its prayer rooms.
Management at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in Adliya said cameras were installed at various points all over the campus, following a spate of wallet and mobile phone thefts.
It said the extra security was introduced at the request of students.
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Campus ‘spying’ sparks row
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 4th June 2008
AN American university in Bahrain yesterday denied accusations that it has been spying on students by putting security cameras in its prayer rooms.
Management at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in Adliya said cameras were installed at various points all over the campus, following a spate of wallet and mobile phone thefts.
It said the extra security was introduced at the request of students.
But Al Adala (Justice) National Movement Society secretary-general Abdulla Hashim said the organisation had received a flood of complaints from students and branded the practice as “illegal”.
“The society contacted a number of students to verify the claims and they provided us with pictures to prove their claims,” he told the GDN.
“The administration placed cameras in the men’s prayer room, which students described as ‘intimidating’ and ‘inciting fear and confusion’.
“The society contacted a lawyer to find out the legality of the matter, who said places of worship were private and installing any surveillance equipment was a violation.”
Mr Hashim said the society attempted to contact the university’s administration team several times following the installation of the cameras last month, but were unable to speak to the person in charge.
“Some students said they were not surprised cameras were being used, particularly since the university is in the old US Embassy building,” he said.
“They said instead of installing cameras in the prayer rooms they should be in the cafeteria and other areas of the university, where couples sometimes secretly meet.”
“I don’t know why they fixed cameras in these places especially,” Mr Hashim said.
“I do not think there is a mosque in Bahrain or any place where people pray that has installed CCTV cameras.”
A NYIT spokesman said the cameras had been introduced at the request of students.
“We have updated our security system because some people lost their mobiles and wallets. So we put security cameras all over the campus,” he said. “It is not about watching people praying. Why we would we do something like that?”
The spokesman denied the university had done anything illegal and insisted that no cameras had been installed in the women’s rooms.
“We are in an Islamic country and we respect all religions,” he said.
“This is not a bathroom (where the cameras are), it is a mosque.”
The controversy has provoked a mixed response from students.
Business management student Ali Janahi was strongly against the move.
“I do not agree because prayer rooms are private,” he said.
“I do not think there will be any stealing in the prayer rooms anyway.
“Some of the students put their phone on the floor in front of them so they can always see it.”
But finance student Ahmed Al Aynati was more relaxed about the situation.
“Security cameras I think is okay,” said the 18-year-old. “I don’t feel it is a bad thing but I think there will be some students who will have a different view.” geoff@gdn.com.bh
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© Gulf Daily News
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=219321&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31076
