Will they rise up to the challenge, or continue to disappoint?
Today they hold a special session to discuss and amend the Press Law which contains parts which necessitate imprisoning journalists for what they write.
The islamists – as expected – are all for imprisoning the writer AND his managing editor who dares challenge any of their beliefs and crosses what they mark as a red line. Demanding respect by terror, but not stopping of course at denigrating God, religions, the Qur’an and the Prophets, but going further by criminalising anyone who dares question the Prophet’s (Mohammed) companions and wives, and as a nod to the Shi’as I guess, the Prophet’s progeny.
The penalty for this is a minimum prison sentence of 3 months to 1 year AND a fine the minimum of which is BD 5,000 to 10,000.
I’m not sure how they could reconcile this over the top punishments when (a) the king specifically said that he is completely against jailing journalists for their thoughts, and (b) the constitution which specifically says that punishment should be individual rather than several.
I’m not sure either how they could reconcile this with the two agreements the king has signed (but parliament didn’t pass yet) which deal with the political and human rights as detailed by the United Nations.
The thing is, reading the papers since last Tuesday, several political parties have changed their tune (read Al-Wasat and Al-Waqt of today for analysis) and most are not doing away with imprisonment and replacing that with heavy fines.
We await the outcome of these special sessions… I just hope that they look at this law as an important democratic tool to insure Bahrain’s progress going forth, rather than some known numbskulls translating it into ways to get their own back at the press and handcuff journalists from exposing corruption and reporting the truth.
Comments
Why has a ridiculous big hat generated a response from 45 participants yet important Parliament matters and feedback from the posting on Dr Munira Fakroo seems to have such limited appeal?
Although it has been suggested before and will undoubtably be suggested again, Mahmood should be sitting in the Kingdom’s Chambers.
He has such fun and universal appeal but also always responsibly addresses critical issues and matters of importance.
When Riffaa is finally persuaded to moderate it’s ridiculous and absolute control over the Island, I will be happy to give my vote to Mahmood.
Thank you for your confidence Paul! This is too much praise for a simple peace loving individual… now after the race I’ll just have to take the day off and do some gardening! 😉
I don’t know; however, why people are more compelled to contribute to “silly” subjects in comments than they would for more weighty considerations. It could be because they might feel intimidated, or that they will be opposed or they just can’t be bothered…. ultimately I don’t know the answer, but am thankful for each and every contribution, because this to me personally is what makes Mahmood’s Den what it is; and ultimately I am seen to be really tall only because I am standing on shoulders of giants.
“…and ultimately I am seen to be really tall only because I am standing on shoulders of giants.”
Perhaps, Mahmood, but it takes a good dose of fortitude to climb up there. Is there any real threat of this assinine and cowardly law being applied to your work here?
“There is a crack in everything. Thats how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen
Yes, absolutely, as electronic communication and websites are specifically mentioned and some MPs are refusing to remove them from the law…
I guess if that law is passed, I have to rummage around in my depleted bank account to find the necessary BD 1 MILLION (US$ 2.65 million) to put up as a bond to continue to have this website.
But the whole purpose of the exercise is not to let light through, it will stifle their style. The comedy is that the way the laws are being constructed by the “jokers” means that they cannot practically be taken to task by the press.