Equality before the law stressed

Manama, June 20 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi today received editors-in-chief of local newspapers and columnists and pointed the importance of the legal measures recently taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain for maintaining the homeland's security and stability, unity of the community and pushing the reform and development march amid the political sectarianism and terrorist organisations, as well as external interference in Bahrain's internal affairs. The minister noted the importance of the press and media role in strengthening commitment to the constitution and law, dissemination of community awareness, defending the national interest against sectarian considerations, as well as standing against calls of sedition, , hatred, extremism and violence. He highlighted the conformity of stances of the government and the people on thwarting the exploitation of the democratic atmosphere for the political sectarianism or employing the sectarian practices in political action leading to threatening the social peace. He urged the editors-in-chief and columnists to shoulder the professional and ethical responsibility to reinforce national unity, dissemination of values of tolerance, moderation and fairness, rejection of sectarianism and incitement to extremism and terrorism, as well as accentuating the civilized image of Bahrain in respecting all religions and preserving the national and religious identity. He reiterated Bahrain's rejection of sectarianism, incitement and political dependency, stressing equality before the law under a developed legislative system and independent Judicial authority. He affirmed that measures taken against the rioters and terrorists are in conformity with the constitution and international legal conventions signed by Bahrain. He hailed the security personnel's role in maintaining the homeland's security and stability, protecting government and private property, addressing acts of violence and vandalism. He also hailed the brave Bahraini soldiers who are defending Gulf and Arab security within the Saudi-led Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen.