Website Blockings in Bahrain
A new government crackdown by Bahrain’s Ministry of Information has led to the blocking of over 60 websites ranging from Google Translate to social, political, religious, and human rights sites, according to the Bahrain Human Rights Society and Global Voices Online, a network dedicated to defending free speech worldwide.
The Ministry of Information’s January 14th missive ordered ISPs to block access to certain political and commercial websites, stating as well that only the Ministry itself could reverse the decision to block access to a website. Proxy websites (those that enable users to step around censorship) have also been blocked since the directive was issued.
The following message appears when users try to access a blocked website: “Site Blocked: This website has been blocked by the order of the Ministry of Culture and Information based on Article 19 of decree Law No. 47, 2002 regarding the organisation of the press, printing and publishing in the Kingdom of Bahrain, due to the publication of prohibited content on the aforementioned site.”
Law No. 47 of 2002 enables the government to shut down a publication or website deemed to have attacked the government, the official state religion, public decency, or other religions in a matter likely to disturb the peace. According to Reporters without Borders, officials can order such closures without referring to a court first.
A new media law currently before parliament would protect Internet sites and publications from summary closure by the government without court hearing.
Unless, I want to do this
Unless, I want to do this for me I am in afghanistan and pay a satellite connection to connect to the Internet, because of Article 19 of Decree Law Decree No. 47, 2002 imposed by the state of Bahrain can not even see the Italian national television "tgcom.it." I have not signed any contract that talks about these hardships, I just paid too much and then the connection should not suffer such restrictions. thanks
against the constitution of Bahrain
I wanted to visit http://www.orphans.gov.bh/eng website but the English pages have been blocked and are a reported attack site.
And since google translate doesn't work either as it also has been blocked this is extremely upsetting and unsettling.
Many sites have been blocked.
I agree there should be protection from sexual explicit sites for many reasons. However it up to us to apply those restrictions, as God has given us free will and choice.
And they are guaranteed to us by law.
There are a lot of sites that have been blocked that have nothing to do with the issue at hand.
Anybody wanting to visit these demeaning and wretched sites will do so no matter what
However:
According to the following articles this should not be:
Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain
source:http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/ba00000_.html
Chapter II Basic Constituents of Society
Article 4 [State Principles]
Justice is the basis of government. Cooperation and mutual respect provide a firm bond between citizens. Freedom, equality, security, trust, knowledge, social solidarity and equality of opportunity for citizens are pillars of society guaranteed by the State.
Chapter III Public Rights and Duties
Article 23 [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.
Article 26 [Communication]
The freedom of postal, telegraphic, telephonic and electronic communication is safeguarded and its confidentiality is guaranteed. Communications shall not be censored or their confidentiality breached except in exigencies specified by law and in accordance with procedures and under guarantees prescribed by law.
Article 43 [Popular Referendum]
The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared, and it shall be published in the Official Gazette.
i think they should allow
i think they should allow the websites because alot of people want to watch and most of my friends are watching because of that reason.
I'm Blocked too in Bahrain.
I don't know why but Bahrain has blocked my website as well. i merely offer free arcade games on my site http://N2Flash.com
There's no telling how much information they actually keep people in the country from accessing, but I don't think it's right.
The ministry of Bahrain is
The ministry of Bahrain is accountable for this all and all what we can do is to point to the mistakes in the mean of correction. I feel sorry for the money wasted on the development of web projects and feel sorrier for the money spent to monitor\cense\block public media sites.
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