World Press Day marked

The Kingdom yesterday hailed its press strides in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as it marked the World Press Day in great fervor.

Media experts and journalists highlighted the successful role of the media in taking the Kingdom forward. Article 23 of Bahrain’s constitution guarantees the right of opinion and expression. “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,” the article says.

The National Institution of Human Rights (NIHR) yesterday acknowledged the prosperous media strides as the Kingdom joined other nations, in celebrating the freedom of the press. This year, the day was marked under the theme “Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.

The World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference to endorse the Declaration of Windhoek. Speaking to Tribune, Ahdeya Ahmed, President of Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), said: “On May 17, the BJA will host an event to mark the World Press Freedom Day. “Our role as journalists is to see what is wrong and criticize. It’s also our responsibility to maintain the security and stability of our nation.

Moreover, our leaders have always encouraged us to have a free press, which means that we are strongly supported by the leadership of the country and it also means our leadership is entrusting the journalist with a very important tool.