Plea to lift controls on Internet
Published: 11th January 2007
BAHRAIN’S Internet censoring controls are inappropriate, states an international organisation that defends Press freedom.
In a letter to His Majesty King Hamad, Reporters Without Borders condemned an increase in the censorship of online publications.
In particular, the letter requested the ban on the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information website to be lifted.
The letter, signed by secretary general Robert Ménard, states in April 2005, the Bahrain government adopted regulations that require websites dealing with Bahrain to register with the Information Ministry.
Plea to lift controls on Internet
Published: 11th January 2007
BAHRAIN’S Internet censoring controls are inappropriate, states an international organisation that defends Press freedom.
In a letter to His Majesty King Hamad, Reporters Without Borders condemned an increase in the censorship of online publications.
In particular, the letter requested the ban on the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information website to be lifted.
The letter, signed by secretary general Robert Ménard, states in April 2005, the Bahrain government adopted regulations that require websites dealing with Bahrain to register with the Information Ministry.
“We condemned this requirement at the time, believing that, although hard to apply, it seemed to indicate a desire to place inappropriate controls on the Internet,” stated the letter.
“Access to many news websites, on-line political and religious publications, and blogs was blocked in October 2006, a month before legislative elections.
“Several of these on-line publications appear to have been banned for covering the “Bandargate,” a political scandal in which people close to the government have been implicated. Nearly 20 of these websites are still inaccessible.”
The letter goes on to say the organisation is particularly shocked by the banning of the website of the Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo), which has been rendered inaccessible since December last year.
“Blocking access to this site, which defends prisoners of conscience and free expression, is unacceptable,” it said.
The letter stated the organisation was confident that His Majesty would ensure respect for diversity of information, as well as the rapid and unrestricted development of the Internet in Bahrain.
“We hope that you will agree to overhaul your Internet policies,” it continued.
“An initial sign of your commitment to on-line free expression would be to quickly lift the blocking of HRinfo.”
© Gulf Daily News
