Ministry orders to shut down Web sites
The ministry of information has issued a decision to shut down three internet sites found implicated in stoking sectarian strife in Bahrain, which is in breach of the Press and publication law.
Ministry orders to shut down Web sites
The ministry of information has issued a decision to shut down three internet sites found implicated in stoking sectarian strife in Bahrain, which is in breach of the Press and publication law.
The decision followed directives of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa who instructed the formation of a watchdog committee headed by the Interior Ministry with representatives from Justice and Islamic Affairs and Information Ministries to track any violations at mosques, by newspapers or at websites that mark a deviation from national principles, mainly attempts to disparage the images of His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince whom, the premier said, were sacred entities along with national unity and Bahrain’s Arab identity.
Information Ministry undersecretary Hamad Al Mannai said the ministry will cooperate with the newly-formed ministerial committee to achieve the aspirations of the government in its fight against attempts to fuel sectarianism and crack the Kingdom’s social fibre.
He asserted the ministry’s keenness to accurately and indiscriminately enforce the law. In enforcing the law, the ministry is backed by International Human Rights Organisations and those concerned with freedom issues, Al Mannai said, adding that national security is a common concern that must be preserved.
He added that the ministry is also willing to reconsider opening sites that show readiness to comply with the law, noting that the ministry’s primary role is to support law-abiding establishments that contribute to upgrading the Press and boost the comprehensive development drawn up His Majesty.
He called on all Press institutions to wisely deal with challenges and strive to enhance their writers’ professionalism and ability to avail of the freedoms prevailing in the Kingdom.
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