Blogger gears up for court battle
By Geoffrey bew
Published: 14 February 2007
BAHRAINI blogger Mahmood Al Yousif has vowed to come out fighting after Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Mansoor Bin Rajab decided not to drop a criminal case against him.
Earlier this week, he removed part of an article on his website, in which he had criticised Mr Bin Rajab and his ministry, following several days of negotiations through a mediator.
However, he has since restored the article to its original version after learning that the minister would not withdraw his complaint.
The blogger previously told the GDN that Mr Bin Rajab agreed to drop the case if he erased the offending material, but yesterday said he had since changed his mind.
Blogger gears up for court battle
By Geoffrey bew
Published: 14 February 2007
BAHRAINI blogger Mahmood Al Yousif has vowed to come out fighting after Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Mansoor Bin Rajab decided not to drop a criminal case against him.
Earlier this week, he removed part of an article on his website, in which he had criticised Mr Bin Rajab and his ministry, following several days of negotiations through a mediator.
However, he has since restored the article to its original version after learning that the minister would not withdraw his complaint.
The blogger previously told the GDN that Mr Bin Rajab agreed to drop the case if he erased the offending material, but yesterday said he had since changed his mind.
Manama chief Public Prosecutor Wael Buallay confirmed the case was still being considered and a decision was expected within the next few days.
Mr Al Yousif’s lawyer, Hassan Ismail, said he was still waiting for confirmation of the charges yesterday.
“Earlier he wanted to drop the case but now he insists on following it through,” said Mr Ismail.
Mr Al Yousif said he was “dismayed” at the decision and had returned the article on his website to its original form.
“It is unfortunate that the mediation effort has come to nothing, but if he wants to go to court it is his prerogative,” he said.
“I welcome this opportunity to prove that freedom of expression is respected in Bahrain and the judiciary is independent.
“I am certain that they will throw the case out or rule in my favour if the case goes ahead.
“I still hope that he will revise his decision and accept that public criticism is part of his job.
“I do not believe it is a case of libel.
“I was not criticising a person, but the ministry which is an executive body and should actively welcome criticism to improve its performance.”
Mr Al Yousif claimed the legal action was an attack on freedom of expression and journalism, given that Mr Rajab is the owner of the Arabic newspaper Al Meethaq.
The blogger added he had received “tremendous” support from the public and had been approached by human rights societies in Bahrain and abroad keen to form a team of lawyers to help defend any court case.
Mr Rajab brought a libel case against Mr Al Yousif, known as the “Blogfather”, last week in relation to an article which was printed on his website www.mahmood.tv on December 22.
Mr Al Yousif was questioned for three hours on Thursday, before being released on BD500 bail.
The blogger was originally summoned to the Criminal Investigation Directorate, Adliya, last Wednesday to answer questions about the article before the matter was transferred to the Public Prosecution.
It is understood Mr Al Yousif could be tried under the Press and Publications Law or the Penal Code, and if found guilty could face a maximum penalty of two years in jail and/or a BD200 fine.
The minister was unavailable for comment yesterday.
© Gulf Daily News