Al-Watan newspaper speech
Yesterday, the Shura Council opened a new door in the national media process by unanimously approving the Press, Printing and Publishing Law, to be a modern reference that responds to the profound transformations that the media arena has witnessed since the issuance of the previous legislation more than 20 years ago.
This law expresses a translation of the Kingdom’s vision under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and an extension of the reform approach that made the media a partner in development and responsible for building awareness and preserving national cohesion.
This legislative development also comes in line with the great support and great interest given by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to empower the Bahraini press and enhance its presence, and provide the environment that allows journalists to perform their national role with professionalism and transparency, as they are a shield for the nation and an integral pillar of the Bahrain team in the development process.
The inclusion of electronic media in the legislative framework as a main tributary of the national media system represents an official recognition of the growing role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and enhancing the competitiveness of Bahraini content regionally and globally. Today, these platforms are under the umbrella of a law that guarantees freedom of work and clearly defines its responsibilities, far from abuses.
Perhaps one of the most prominent national gains in the new legislation is the abolition of the prison sentence in all texts related to press publishing, in a step that confirms Bahrain’s firm belief that freedom of opinion is not against the law, that responsibility is the other side of freedom of expression, and that journalists are only punished in accordance with civil law and in a way that protects the rights of others and maintains respect for public order.
Laws evolve as societies develop, and today we stand before a real moment of transformation for a Bahraini media that is more open, stronger in presence, and deeper committed to the noble national values that have shaped its identity since its founding.
The national press, as it witnesses this transformation, always renews its pledge to remain a sober national voice, supportive of the gains of the reform project of His Majesty the King, may God protect and preserve him. It defends responsible freedom of opinion, thought and expression, and contributes creatively and sincerely to enriching the Bahraini media scene in a way that befits the confidence of this country and its rational and wise leadership.
With this new law, we are writing a new chapter of trust, and moving towards a brighter journalistic and media future for Bahrain.
