Manama: The Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), under the leadership of Isa Al Shaiji, convened a high-level media meeting to review the accomplishments of the Press and Digital Media Law. This law, recently ratified by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, underscores Bahrain's dedication to fostering a legislative environment supportive of free and responsible media.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by several key figures, including Nabeel bin Yaqoub Al Hamar, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Media Affairs; Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information; Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, Advisor for Media Affairs at the Court of the Crown Prince; Yousif Al Binkhalil, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information; and Ahmed Khaled Al Araifi, CEO of the National Communication Centre (NCC).
Al Shaiji highlighted the national press's crucial role in Bahrain's development, emphasizing the support of His Majesty the King and guidance from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He welcomed the King's initiative in allocating land for a permanent headquarters for the Association, viewing it as a testament to the national press's importance in development and community engagement.
Al Hamar acknowledged that the law continues the progressive legislative and media trajectory initiated at the start of the new millennium by His Majesty the King. The reform project laid the groundwork for freedom and responsibility in media work, creating a robust legislative foundation for media regulation and reinforcing professional responsibility in journalism.
Dr. Al Noaimi praised the collaborative efforts with the BJA in developing the law, realized through extensive consultations with editors, media practitioners, and press institution representatives. This collaboration resulted in a law that enhances press freedom, guarantees media workers' rights, and establishes a media system capable of keeping pace with global developments amid the Kingdom's progress in various sectors.
The minister noted that the law introduced significant reforms, strengthening freedom of opinion and expression, enhancing journalist protection, and replacing prison sentences in publishing cases with financial penalties, aligning with His Majesty the King's directives as outlined in the National Action Charter and the Constitution.
Al Hammadi emphasized that the ratification and issuance of Law (41) of 2025 reflect the ongoing development witnessed across Bahrain, especially in media and journalism. He explained that the law, first issued in 2002, was developed under the National Action Charter's principles and aimed to ensure the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. Recent amendments provide greater flexibility for the media system to meet contemporary demands and future developments in digital media.
Anwar Abdulrahman, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al Khaleej, expressed appreciation for the royal support of the Bahraini press, noting that the Kingdom's journalism freedom and responsibility set a regional example. He commended the Press and Digital Media Law for reflecting His Majesty's vision for free and responsible speech and strengthening national media as a development partner.
The meeting concluded by affirming the Bahraini press's role in promoting national unity, highlighting achievements, and enhancing Bahrain's international standing.