Desperate attempts to tarnish Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Interior Ministry yesterday rejected reports by the Qatari Al Jazeera channel against “reform and rehabilitation centre” as misleading and “desperate attempts” to tarnish Bahrain’s national and civilised accomplishments. Interior Ministry said that Bahrain’s human rights institutions are in the league of professional rights institutions in the World, and attempts to tarnish its reputation is unacceptable.

Al Jazeera, the ministry said, is broadcasting programmes with the help of suspicious organisations claiming to be in the field of rights and several others funded by external parties. “These systematic and deliberate attempts, which included many fallacies, represents a continuation of the aggressive approach against Bahrain and politicisation of media content against the Kingdom and its people,” the statement said. The Interior Ministry points out that a report by Police Media Centre reveals the depth and dimensions of the channel’s incendiary approach during the past ten years. The channel, the ministry said, not even aired a piece of single positive news about Bahrain during this period, contradicting the standards of media professionalism.

The ministry said that an analysis of the channel’s content points out that it is targetting Bahrain with fabricated and false information to create chaos and destabilise the Kingdom.

“They seldom understand the principles of good neighbourliness and the outcomes of the Al-Ula Summit.”

Fair trial ensured

The Interior Ministry also clarified that those serving their terms in the Correction and Rehabilitation centres are convicted in various criminal and terrorist cases and reached there after exhausting all legal options. “They all underwent a fair trial with legal bodies to defend them and in the presence of representatives of civil society organisations and Bahraini human rights institutions,” the ministry said.

Speakers of the Al Jazeera programme accuses Bahrain of misconduct without providing any material evidence, the ministry said. “Such programmes are not unusual for the channel which specialises in interfering in the affairs of others by repeating false allegations that has absolutely nothing to do with the established rules of law and criminal justice. “What a fugitive speaker mentioned through the channel about his father, who is serving life in prison, and claims of torture denies the truth and reality.” The health conditions of the person in question are stable, and he is under regular monitoring.

Interior Ministry said that it would continue its approach based on law enforcement and the promotion of human rights. The incitements campaigns, the ministry said, would only increase its adherence and commitment to preserving the security and safety of citizens and residents.