(RSF/IFEX) – On 27 March 2002, RSF protested the Bahraini government’s hindering access to allegedly “offensive” and “sectarian” Internet sites. “This measure goes against your National Charter, which specifically guarantees respect for human rights,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard in a letter to Information Minister Nabeel Yacoub al-Hamer. The organisation urged the minister to reconsider […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 27 March 2002, RSF protested the Bahraini government’s hindering access to allegedly “offensive” and “sectarian” Internet sites. “This measure goes against your National Charter, which specifically guarantees respect for human rights,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard in a letter to Information Minister Nabeel Yacoub al-Hamer. The organisation urged the minister to reconsider this decision that gravely damages the image of the country, known for its relatively free press.
According to information gathered by RSF, at least five websites, some of them run by the opposition, have recently been blocked by the government. According to the information minister, who imposed the censorship, the Internet sites “have become forums for the dissemination of dubious information, rumours and lies.” The minister said he would consider lifting the restrictions if the content of the sites was changed.
Among the sites blocked are the London-based Bahrain Freedom Movement’s www.vob.org, as well as www.bahrainonline.org, the online newspaper “Al-Manama” (www.al-manama.net) and a site run by Islamic fundamentalist Abdel Wahab Hussein.
