Last updated 3 Oct '09 For details, administrative order numbers and alternate URLs, please see this. If you know of any other blocked sites or have more information in this regard, please contact me in confidence.

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In the first ministerial order of the new year from the new new minister of information, we get a wave of site blocking, even Google translation service is blocked! How can they block Google translation service for goodness sake? This is so farcical it simply beggars belief. The ONLY translation service that could help people be more connected with the world and the ONLY free English/Arabic translation service is now no longer if you go to google.com/translate I think the press (and all active bloggers) should make a huge stink about this.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which the Bahraini Government is a signatory of states:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 23 of the Bahrain Constitution: Freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to express his opinion and publish it by word of mouth, in writing or otherwise under the rules and conditions laid down by law, provided that the fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine are not infringed, the unity of the people is not prejudiced, and discord or sectarianism is not aroused.

Article 24 of the Bahrain Constitution: With due regard for the provisions of the preceding Article, the freedom of the press, printing and publishing is guaranteed under the rules and conditions laid down by law.

Article 26 of the Bahrain Constitution: The freedom of postal, telegraphic and electronic communication is safeguarded and its confidentiality is guaranteed. Communications shall not be censored or their confidentiality breached except in exigencies specified by law and in accordance with procedures and under guarantees prescribed by law.

Therefore, I don't need the MoI's protection, thanks very much!