Thirty-five lawmakers issue statement

Manama, Apr.13 (BNA): Thirty-five lawmakers have today urged commitment to the pillars of Bahraini society, the fundamentals of freedom of speech, the constitution and the law. In a statement issued today, they appealed all social segments, institutions, entities, individuals, writers, journalists and media people as well as owners of social media accounts to avoid all that causes social divisions or spreads discord and strife between individuals. The statement, which was undersigned by the group of lawmakers, stressed the importance of maintaining civil peace, the spirit of tolerance, plurality, acceptance of others and contributing to developing society and the country, by exercising freedom of expression in compliance with the law; being an essential principle from which we cannot depart. The call was in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to protect civil peace between Bahraini social segments and sects and promote social peace. The statement underlined the key role of the legislative branch to protect society, exercise its legislative and oversight role and pass required legislations that maintain social cohesion, tolerance and stability. The lawmakers who undersigned the statement urged all state officials, particularly those in charge of judicial agencies, to exercise their patriotic role and hold accountable all those which break the law,threaten civil peace or spread lies and fabricated news. They stressed the importance of protecting social safety, peace and tolerance, without compromising the right of Bahraini society to exercise freedom of opinion and expression and criticise in accordance with the law provisions. They underlined the need to protect the rights of all individuals as well as their honour and reputation, and to respect the constitutional and legal entities, protect civil peace and strengthen tolerance and plurality so that society does not slide into a dangerous situation which may subvert its peace and tolerance. The statement cautioned against the gross online violations which are contrary to the ethics, values and fundamentals that have long mark Bahrain’s society. The statement cited insults being traded online, as well as defamation of faiths and the tarnishing of reputation and families and disrespectful insinuations. The lawmakers said that their statement stemmed from their desire to protect the right of society to exercise freedom of expression, which is enshrine in the constitution and guaranteed by the law. They cautioned against falling in the cauldron social strife and divisions and turning social media websites into platforms to fuel hatred, rancor, destruction and the targeting of institutions, groups and sects, apart from spreading rumours, lies and fabricated news, stressing the necessity of protecting honourable and innocent citizens’ rights.