Six online journalists and webloggers have been arrested in Iran recently in a crackdown on dissent on the internet.
Although the authorities in Bahrain have not “moved” on bloggers per se. They did close several sites overly opposing the government, or the Royal Family.
With the press laws that we currently have, which the parliament seems to have completely agreed with (it’s not on their agenda to rescind them this session, nor is the promised constitutional changes amongst other “less” important things,) I wonder how long it would take to close this site down. Stupidly of course I blog under my real name… I hope that my thoughts won’t put me behind bars.
Yes it IS possible with the press laws that we have here, and with the flurry and magic of the number 45 (45 days detention for just about anything, including the administrative closure of Al-Oruba club) which is extensible sends shivers down my spine.
Comments
Shivers down the spine…
Don’t worry. I don’t think you’re at the top of the Government’s list, viewing the cat and mouse game that Batelco is playing with some of the other Bahraini forums out there, constantly blocking URLs and the admins finding new ways to bypass them. You’re site doesnt seem to be on their target list, unless I carry on posting!
Most of the Bahrainis I know who get their site blocked by Batelco actually find it a flattering gesture. It means the message is getting across.
Shivers down the spine…
You can always float me your messages in a bottle and I will post them here in Qatar. I am sure the local government would love to dig at their neighbors 😉
Salaam,
PM
Re: Shivers down the spine…
PM, this site more ‘digs’ (in the 1960s sense of the word) than ‘digs at’ the Bahrain government surely? Critically supportive for the most part – providing a welcome forum to poke the smelly end of the stick at the various and many bullshit merchants.
I don’t think there’s much chance of this site being closed down when even the BCHR’s is still going. More freedom please though. I’d agree with Insurgent (and Voltaire) on this one – its wrong to ban even these Islamist sites.
Re: Shivers down the spine…
You must be kidding!
Have a gander at this:
Bahrain and Qatar although close geographically, are disperate in most political matters. So, if I *do* float a bottle to you, then rest assured that you will be joining me in a smelly cell!
Re(1): Shivers down the spine…
That is the essence of my efforts. Basically constructively criticising both sides and hope to render a view which is not more than the “pulse” of the street. That street I grant you is not a village street per se, but I would like to think a liberal, modern one.
One thing I am not however is a journalist, and I should never be viewed as one. Simply, all views expressed by myself here are basically mine. My thinking and my interpretation of events as I see them. It doesn’t of course mean that I am correct in holding those views, nor are my analysis bullet proof. For that you have to go elsewhere. This blog/site is simply my soap-box which from time to time I hope exposes a different view from that you would hear from the “regular” street.
Shivers down the spine…
Well, that wouldn’t be the worst place I have inhabited in my colorful life. At least we could have some laughs and I am sure they would let my housekeeper keep our cell smell-less and bring us the finest of Goan cuisine 🙂
Besides…. this is o-l-d news, Mahmood, and everything is right with the world — that is, our own little world of Qatar — today!
PM, Prisoner ID 007
Shivers down the spine…
I fear we are all going to look bloody silly on the cover of Newsweek when we are caught busting you out of jail with a tin-opener and a toffee hammer.
On the other hand, at least we would be famous for 15 minutes….
Meggie
Shivers down the spine…
I wonder about this issue, too. Living in Oman and talking smack about the almighty Hand is a no-no…so I was wondering how long it would take any of these governments them to cave in on the little bloggers. As we all know…it doesn’t stop the masses from talking and having opinions…even with all of the laws banning specified topics. I just had a conversation about this two days ago with some people…and was going to post it in my blog.
I think that your opinions and others like you are what make and WILL make your countries great. Too many people that act like sheep in the fold will eventually be sent to slaughter. Keep up the great work and keep those opinions flowing!!!
Fan in Oman
Shivers down the spine…
Anybody know what happened to The Religious Policeman in Saudi?