Articles by Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Website accused of violating press code, BCHR concerned that move is aimed at silencing critical voices
(BCHR/IFEX) – In a statement sent to the press, the Bahrain Ministry of Information (MOI) announced that it has referred one public website to the Public Prosecution (PP) for violating the 2002 Press Code. “Al-Ayam” newspaper reported that the public forum in question is known as the “National Edifice Forum (NEF)”, http://www.wattani.net In the press […]
Reformist writer banned from addressing public issues and publishing his speeches
(BCHR/IFEX) – The BCHR is gravely concerned about the continuing clampdown on freedom of opinion and expression in Bahrain which resulted in Sheikh Salah Al-Jowder being prevented from distributing his sermons for Friday prayers to local newspapers. The head of the Sunni Endowment Department of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al […]
BCHR fears for its president’s safety following king’s condemnation of outspoken human rights activists
(BCHR/IFEX) – In a public speech, Hamad Bin Issa Alkhalifa, the King of Bahrain, indirectly warned Bahrainis against criticizing the kingdom, and against reporting on human rights abuses internationally, characterizing such efforts as serving the agenda of foreign powers seeking to re-colonize the county. Speaking to a gathering of local newspaper editors at Al Safriya […]
Detainees in newsletter and website case beaten and ill-treated; journalists warned over dignity of royal image
(BCHR/IFEX) – The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses great concern over the arrest and interrogation of seven citizens by the national security service in Bahrain over their role in publishing the newsletter “Wifaq” and Awal news website. After being released on 29 June 2008, the detainees said they were subjected to beatings and ill-treatment […]
Several websites blocked by information ministry on pretext of crisis involving sectarian religious tensions
(BCHR/IFEX) – BCHR is very concerned about the Bahraini government’s exploitation of sectarian religious tensions initiated by groups perceived as closely tied to the Royal Court and the government itself, with the aim of narrowing public freedoms. Nabeel Rajab, Vice President of the BCHR, expressed his concern in regards to the drift of some political […]
Activist arrested for writing political article, displaying banner
(BCHR/IFEX) – BCHR expresses its worry concerning the recent arrest of Abdullah Hassan Bu-Hassan, member of the Democratic National Action Society (WA’AD), after he expressed opinions concerning political decisions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and also gave his opinion on a report issued by an ex-governmental consultant that revealed a reported government conspiracy to implement […]
Media coverage of elections marred by self-censorship, political pressure, exclusion of voices and blocking of Internet, finds World Press Freedom Day report
(BCHR/IFEX) – The following is an abridged 3 May 2008 BCHR press release: On World Press Freedom Day: A Report by a Regional Group Calls for Reforming the Media in Bahrain; The BCHR Calls for Discussing Report Findings and Implementing Its Recommendations The results of monitoring the media coverage of the last parliamentary elections in […]
Authorities threaten to use force to prevent conference
(BCHR/IFEX) – A high Bahraini security officer informed Karbabad Matam, an events venue in Manama, that it was not allowed to hold a public conference scheduled for 25 April 2008. The security officer stated that, if necessary, the Security Special Forces (SSF) would intervene by force to prevent the event from taking place. The organisers […]