Manama, May 3 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa saluted Bahraini journalists and media professionals, stressing that they are partners in the ongoing comprehensive development process in the Kingdom.
In a message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated today around the world under the slogan “Shaping a Future for Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights”, His Majesty the King expressed his pride in Bahraini journalists for their commitment to professional ethics, commitment to impartiality and credibility, within the framework of Modern democratic and constitutional that allows them to perform their duties independently, freely and responsibly.
His Majesty the King affirmed that the National Action Charter and the Constitution guarantee freedom of the press and human rights in the Kingdom, as they are two pillars of society’s progress and development.
His Majesty the King said that efforts are continuing to develop the legislative, regulatory and institutional aspects to consolidate press freedom and protect human rights.
His Majesty the King affirmed that the diversity of the media and the press in today’s world requires adherence to the “truth” when dealing with various topics, given that the public opinion has the right to access the accurate information that journalists have to provide.
His Majesty the King stressed that consolidating freedom of the press must go hand in hand with combating disinformation, as the former can lead to devastating effects on societies, institutions, democracy and human rights if misused, as disinformation can lead to discord. and disrupt development efforts.
His Majesty the King said that hate speech in all its forms is a form of disinformation that affects human rights and dignity, stressing the importance of reaching a global agreement to criminalize hate speech.
In this context, His Majesty the King praised the continuous cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities in all fields, including drafting regulations and laws that support freedom of expression and the press, and achieve more gains for the Bahraini press.
His Majesty the King also praised the role of the Ministry of Information in working to strengthen the regulatory framework that supports media freedom in cooperation with the Bahrain Journalists Association.
He also highlighted the efforts made by the Ministry of Information, together with the BJA and the national press, to develop media content in all its forms, highlighting Bahrain’s national identity and its rich cultural heritage, as well as laying the foundations for free and objective discourse, and consolidating concepts. Loyalty and belonging to the homeland and protection of the right to know.
His Majesty the King wished the Arab peoples and all humanity further progress, prosperity and security.
HF/WHQ