Cases Against Bahraini Journalists Hit Record Highs

“46 cases were filed against journalists from all Bahraini newspapers.  19 of these cases were referred to justice while 16 others were dismissed because of lack of evidence”, Bahraini attorney general announced in a press conference held last Thursday, adding that ” Three other cases were closed and another case was adjourned”.
 
According to the Society of Bahraini journalists, 13 cases were filed by the attorney general against journalists in 2006. This means that this kind of cases tripled in 2007 triggering worries from human rights organizations. For its part, the Bahrain Human Rights Center voiced its deep worry over the ongoing deterioration of freedom of expression and harassments against journalists in Bahrain, in contravention to article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in which Bahraini government was a signatory on Sep, 20th, 2006.
 
Bahrain Human Rights Center called Bahraini authorities to adhere to international commitments, respect international human rights charters, stop harassing journalists, allow a space of freedom so that journalists can do their job with freedom and amend press law of the year 2002 to be in line with international human rights standards.