‘Zero tolerance for hatred’

Jeddah : Bahrain will not tolerate provocative discourse inciting hatred, said Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi while addressing the 11th Islamic conference of information ministers here on Wednesday. 

“There is a need to cement ties of fraternity and integration under the umbrella of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” he said, emphasising the Kingdom’s resolve to tackle the challenges facing the nation.

Speaking at the conference under the theme “New Media to Counter Terrorism and Islamophobia”, Al Rumaihi pointed out the grave challenges the Islamic nation is facing --- its unity, security, identity and progress.  

“Mutual respect of the sovereignty of the member states and non-interference in their internal affairs are vital,” he said at the two-day conference being held in Jeddah. The conference will conclude today.

He also called up on members of the OIC to adopt innovative ways to face the campaigns against Islam and Muslims in the media.

Underlining the need to initiate joint media projects, considering the pivotal role being played by the media in promoting discourse among the Islamic countries, Al Rumaihi urged a fresh OIC media strategy to confront Islamophobia and endorse a binding media code of conduct to curb extremism, hatred and terrorism.

“Legal and technical procedures are needed to stop broadcasting of satellite channels inciting sectarianism and hatred and misuse of modern technologies as platforms for cybercrimes,” he said.

Al Rumaihi hailed the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims, protecting the sacred lands and caring for the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors. He praised the Saudi-led Arab and Islamic alliance to fight extremism and terrorism, reiterating categorical rejection of any attempt to downplay those tremendous efforts or cast doubt on them. He voiced strong condemnation of the terror attack on the sanctity of Makkah by the putschist militias in Yemen, describing it as a grave escalation breaching all religious, humanitarian and ethical principles. 

The Information Minister pointed out the sectarian terror acts in many Arab and Islamic countries, stressing the need to preserve moderation and fight advocates of terrorism. He wished the session every success, its resolve to serve common goals of fostering Islamic media cooperation, fraternal ties, achieving the supreme interests of the Islamic nation and promoting peace and stability.