Speaker reiterates parliament's support of press freedom

Manama, May 2 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla has congratulated all Bahraini journalists on the World Press Freedom Day, marked worldwide on May 3 under the theme: "Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Safety in the Digital Age". Al Mulla lauded national press personnel, responsible journalism, intellectual and creative pioneers and those committed to the "sincere and effective word" in protecting the kingdom’s security, stability and progress. He paid tribute to journalists of "responsible freedom" for adhering to professional and ethical regulations and taking national interests into account. He expressed the Representatives Council’s support for all legislation in the fields of freedom of opinion and expression and responsible journalism. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain has become a global role model of transparency and freedoms of opinion and expression, he said, explaining that press and media freedom is the cornerstone of the Royal Reform Project. He stressed that choosing May 7 to celebrate Bahrain Press Day every year is a living proof of the leadership’s appreciation of Bahraini journalism, and it long history and pivotal role in promoting awareness, revealing facts, enlightening the public and defending the nation. The Speaker added that the theme of this year’s Press Freedom Day makes it necessary for officials to support sober journalism and strengthen it in order to keep up with the rapid technological developments, and deal with the multiple sources of news and information sources so as to verify their accuracy.