King of Bahrain confirms: prisons are
free of Prisoners of Conscience
In a speech marking the International Day for Freedom of the
Press on 3 May 2009, the King of Bahrain regarded freedom of press
as a very important part of his political reform project. His Highness
said that the freedom enjoyed by Bahrain’s press is proof of Bahrain’s
openness and its protection of fundamental freedoms including freedom
of expression. He affirmed that Bahrain’s prisons are free from
any detainees in relation to freedom of expression and conscience.
The King expressed his pride at Bahrain’s compliance with international
human rights conventions and legislations. He said that his country’s
press has achieved a notable accomplishment and that both the legislative
and executive authorities are doing their utmost to safeguard and
protect freedom of press and provide both the press and journalists
with more freedom within the framework of the law as well as organizing
the executive procedures which regulate the performance of press
work.
The King also promised to work towards developing the media scene
and completing the necessary tools for that in accordance with the
standards of the profession and society’s culture. He also called
for the rejection of division and the adoption of a culture of openness
and sharing with others, as well as launching social and governmental
initiatives in order to promote the role of the press in the protection
of social unity and civil peace. Additionally, the King called for
the development of a ‘civil media’ concept which nurtures the appropriate
national feeling and supports the spirit of national responsibility.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Culture and Information celebrated,
on 3 May 2009, the International Day for the Freedom of the Press.
The Minster, Dr. Mai Al Khalifa, said that part of the Ministry’s
concern is to strengthen partnership with local and international
media and press institutions, which would contribute to raising
the standard of media work and standards of professionalism and
responsible freedom. On the same occasion, the Minister launched
the ‘Bahrain Initiative for Civil Media’ and announced the introduction
of the new ‘Bahrain Award for Freedom of Press’ which will start
from next year 2010. The Award, estimated at 100 thousand Dollars,
will be allocated for distinguished Bahraini journalists.
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