Legal action is being taken against Bahrain’s main opposition newspaper, despite the lifting of a suspension on its publication.
Bahrain’s Information Affairs Authority (IAA) on Monday said it had instigated legal proceedings against Al-Wasat.
In a statement published by state news agency BNA, the authority said it had “compelling evidence of press law violations including forgery and falsification of events”.
Separately, Al-Wasat chairman Farooq Almoayyed told the agency that editor-in-chief Mansour Al-Jamri had assumed responsibility.
Almoayyed said: “Dr Al-Jamri admitted that he had authorised the news to be published, without verifying their sources or credibility,” adding that the paper’s new editor-in-chief, Abidli Al-Abidli, would conduct an investigation.
The publication of the Al Wasat newspaper was suspended on Sunday, amid accusations of falsifying news about sectarian unrest and a government crackdown.
However, the ban was lifted on Monday following the sacking of Al Jamri, the son of the Shi’ite former opposition leader.
“The board of directors earlier decided to sack Al Wasat editor-in-chief Mansour Al Jamri, managing editor Walid Nouwaihidh, and head of local news department Aqeel Mirza,” BNA said.
“The panel has also decided to elect a new board of directors within a month.”
Your Comments