Leading Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif yesterday called for a united stand against sectarianism and discrimination, through an electronic code of ethics. Mr Al Yousif, known as the “Blogfather”, urged all bloggers, webmasters, forum moderators and other online publishers to come together to develop and sign a code of ethics specifically aimed at halting sectarianism, by International Blog Day, on August 31.
“The whole country is in a quagmire of sectarianism and we need to take a stand against this,” said Mr Al Yousif.
“This is why I am taking the initiative to bring Bahraini bloggers together under a universal code of ethics.
“I believe it could be a catalyst for ending sectarianism as well as the problematic mudslinging between certain sites.”
A Bloggers’ Code of Ethics already exists, but Mr Al Yousif hopes that it can be re-worked to take a stronger stance against sectarianism and discrimination, for all electronic journalists.
He is responsible for starting the Just Bahraini campaign in October 2006, to promote unity amongst the people of Bahrain.
“It’s time to notch it up a bit higher,” said Mr Al Yousif.
“I really hope that a code of ethics will lead to a build-up of tolerance not just with electronic publishers but with the wider community.”
He explained that the code would not, however, be a measure to prevent open discussion.
“I am not discarding the idea that blogs and other websites are a medium for free expression and discussion, but rather I want people to be more aware of the consequences of what they publish,” said Mr Al Yousif.
“People need to be aware of the fact that there is no single truth and learn a respect for the relevance of others’ opinions.
“A code will mean that people who contravene the proposed guidelines will have to answer and take responsibility for their actions.
“Hopefully, through this we can begin to alleviate the tensions and develop understanding between the different sects in Bahrain.
“Guidelines about what is and is not okay to publish could also alleviate the tension between the government and online publishers.
“That said, I don’t believe that it is the job of citizens to pander to the government, but rather to identify the wrongs in society in a responsible way.
“Government bodies have taken the law into their own hands by blocking allegedly sectarian websites and while in some circumstances this may have been justified, they have not followed the correct measures.
“Hopefully a code of ethics will prevent such haphazard interpretation of the expression of opinions.”
Mr Al Yousif hopes that discussions around the code will begin soon.
“We will start simply by discussing ideas about what standards to follow,” he said.
“I would certainly not impose the rules upon anybody, so hopefully in around eight weeks we can come to a consensus where most people will be happy.”
The next step will be to implement the code – as well as seeking a change in the law.
“The next thing to do will be to put pressure on parliament to criminalise discrimination of any kind, whether it be sectarianism, discrimination against women or the mistreatment of migrant workers,” said Mr Al Yousif.
There are currently more than 3,000 bloggers operating in Bahrain as well as many other electronic publishers and Mr Al Yousif hopes to get as many involved as possible.