Bahrain MPs argue over limit of freedom

Manama : The matter of freedom of expression raised an argument among MPs lately.

This followed a recent announcement made by the Council of Representatives’ Commission Office, confirming that “several lawsuits were filed against citizens who insulted MPs’ on social networks.”

The commission said in a statement that “those who misused freedom of expression were referred to the Public Prosecution”.

“The council will not allow insults and incitements against the legislative authority,” the statement read.

The commission also explained, the cases are delivered by the Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla, who represents the council in formal correspondences.

The statement was received differently by MPs, as some supported it for curbing the misuse of freedom of expression, while others considered it as an act of muzzling citizens.

MP Jamal Buhassan said in a statement that “there are unacceptable behaviours of some users of Twitter”.

“Criticism is always welcome, but when the matter is escalated to insulting, defaming and threatening MPs’ personal lives, it’s simply unacceptable,” Buhassan said.

Sharing a similar opinion, MP Hamad Al Dossary said, “We welcome constructive criticism as it enhances the performance of MPs and result in the benefit of citizens.”

Al Dossary clarified that the lawsuits filed by the council’s Office Commission came as a result of MPs’ repeated requests, as they were targeted by few social media users that disrespected them.

On the other hand, MP Anas Buhindi criticised the statement saying “it doesn’t represent the majority of MPs”.

Buhindi even accused the council’s Office Commission of depriving citizens of their constitutional rights to criticize the performance of MPs. “This is a clear breach of parliamentary norms of Bahrain,” he commented.

Buhindi called for immediate withdrawal of the cases filed against citizens for “only expressing their opinions”. He added that “the statement was exaggerated as it accused Twitter users of destabilising national security and promotes sedition”.