Ban on Al Bandar coverage to stay till it is necessary
The Higher Criminal Court yesterday refused the appeal of the editors of the local newspapers to review its decision to bar the publication of any reports on the Salah Al Bandar’s case. While the court, in a written reply to the editors’ letter, lauded the important role of the local Press and stressed its keenness to provide them with all information to enable them to carry out their duties, it said the decision was aimed at protecting the court procedures. However, it said its decision might be reviewed once the case no longer requires the prohibition, to enable the Press play its role in enlightening the citizens.
Ban on Al Bandar coverage to stay till it is necessary
The Higher Criminal Court yesterday refused the appeal of the editors of the local newspapers to review its decision to bar the publication of any reports on the Salah Al Bandar’s case. While the court, in a written reply to the editors’ letter, lauded the important role of the local Press and stressed its keenness to provide them with all information to enable them to carry out their duties, it said the decision was aimed at protecting the court procedures. However, it said its decision might be reviewed once the case no longer requires the prohibition, to enable the Press play its role in enlightening the citizens.
The editors of Al Ayam, Al Wasat, Al Methaq, Al Waqt, Al Watan and Akhbar Al Khaleej had written to the court on the prohibition imposed on October 5, saying the decision did an injustice for the national Press and expressing concern that it could open room for rumours.
Their letter also said that if the information was not available to people and the foreign media from the national media, they would look for it through irresponsible sources, a thing that would have a negative impact on the national security.
“The communication revolution forces us to deal with the media and information sources with openness but with a high professional responsibility. We think that your decision prohibiting the national Press from publishing any information on this case would prompt the other media sources, including the foreign media, to look for the information from irresponsible sources and biased political sources,” the editors said. They said that as responsible national media, they could perform their professional and national duties to protect and preserve the Kingdom’s welfare in this regard to enable the court to reach the right and just decision.
“We express our adherence to your legal decision and present our request to review it to enable us play our national role and cooperate with you in a professional, responsible and national sense to overcome this problem, without affecting the national unity and the freedom of expression,” the editors said.
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com
