Twitter Backs Civil Society in Condemning Bahrain’s Recent Attack on Online Users

7 June 2019 – Social media giant Twitter joined civil society in expressing its concern for the Bahraini government’s recent declaration that it will crack down on critical online posts.

In a tweet posted yesterday, Twitter stated that they agree with civil society that the implementation of such measures would “pose a significant risk to free expression and journalism” in the country. Twitter also advised individuals to view posts from specified accounts without following them to avoid the scrutiny of the Bahraini authorities.

 

On 30 May 3019, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior announced that “those who follow inciting accounts that promote sedition and circulate their posts will be held legally accountable”.

On 1 June 2019, a Ministry of Interior official further asserted that “countering inciting social media accounts that promote sedition and threaten social fabric and civil peace was a national duty and part of the community partnership to protect the security and safety of the nation.”

 

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Interior accused Bahraini journalist Adel Marzooq of cybercrime because of his analysis of politics in the region on Twitter.

Sayed Ahmed Alwdaei, Director of Advocacy at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said: “We welcome Twitter’s recognition of the repression facing civil society in Bahrain and now urge the company to make direct representation to the Government of Bahrain. Other governments should take inspiration from this action and follow suit by condemning Bahrain’s intensified crackdown.”

Take Action & Email Your MP to ask that they support the case of Dr Abduljalil AlSingace by signing EDM 107

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

Join our newsletter

Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy will use the information you provide on this form to stay in touch with you. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us: You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at team@birdbh.org. We will treat your information with respect.