Bahrain marks World Press Freedom

Manama, May 2 (BNA): Bahrain will tomorrow join the other nations in celebrating the World Press Freedom which falls on May 3. The 2016 edition of the United Nations (UN) proclaimed day is being put this year under the theme "Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms: This Is Your Right!". Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi hailed Bahrain's press strides under the reform project, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. "The freedom of opinion and expression, which are guaranteed by the constitution and the National Action Charter, represent the cornerstone of the democratic process in Bahrain", he said. He paid tribute to HM the King who stressed in his speeches the crucial role of the fourth estate and affirmed that no journalist will be imprisoned nor will any media institution be shut down. He hailed HM the King's initiative to allocate a National Press Day in recognition of the fundamental role of the fourth estate in bolstering Bahrain's standing in the Arab and international media map. He underlined strenuous efforts to further empower the national press and create a favourable environment for journalists to perform their duties. "The freedom of the press can't be achieved unless exercised in a free and independent media environment", he said, hailing landmark press strides since the inception of the National Action Charter in 2001 and the constitution a year later. He cited in this regard article 23 of the Constitution of Bahrain: "Freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed, everyone has the right to express his opinion and to publicize it verbally, in writing or otherwise, in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed by law, without prejudice to the foundations of the Islamic faith and unity of the people, without raising band or sectarianism". The minister said that Bahrain's media strides won the acknowledgement of the international and regional organisations. He cited the recent report "State of Arab Press Freedom 2015-2016", which was issued by the Arab Journalists' Union that commended the big margin of freedom of opinion in Bahrain within the framework of the constitution and law provisions. Quoting the report, the minister said that no journalist was jailed ever since the reform project was launched, nor was any newspaper or media institution shut down due to reasons other than financial causes. He reiterated Bahrain's firm resolve to continue promoting the national press, stressing the essential role of the fourth estate in supporting the development march. "The press is considered nowadays as a key index to assess countries culturally and politically and measure their civilised strides and enlightenment", he said.