Limited access for foreign journalists in Bahrain

It is becoming increasingly difficult for foreign journalists to cover the anti-government protests in Bahrain, according to Mohammed al Maskati, President of the Bahrain Youth Human Rights Society

As more and more protesters pour into Pearl Square, the central demonstration site, reporters are increasingly confronted with reduced Internet connections, website suspensions and overt attacks.  For some reporters, the first hurdle is now at the Bahrain airport where many are subject to questioning and detainment, says Mohammed al Maskati, a prominent human rights activist, and member of the Arab Working Group established by International Media Support.

Increasingly restrictive media environment

In an interview with IMS, Mr. al Maskati outlined what he sees as the beginnings of more restrictions facing the media environment.

– I am dealing with blocked websites and a bad internet connection. I am trying to contact international media, but can hardly access my e-mail, upload videos and photos of the protests or tweet, use messenger or Facebook.

Mr. Al Maskati mentioned that a New York Times reporter traveling with him also experienced similar obstacles.

In contrast, the Bahrain Journalists Association Chairman, Mr. Isa al Shaigi asserted that he has not received complaints from any journalists. Bahrain has a history of state-controlled media with rigorous filtering of opposition voices in the public sphere.

According to Mohammed al Maskati, the state media tend to portray the protesters as violent or not at all.

– Bahraini journalists are not covering the protests. Most of the newspapers here are not independent, they are part of a group of business owners and they will not cover the protests against the government.

Media in Bahrain

According to the BBC World Service, independent media in the country is small but growing. For these journalists, online media and social networking sites is also a tool used to ensure that their message reaches the rest of the world. However, compared to Tunisia and Egypt, the social media situation is weaker since it is monitored much more closely by the Bahraini government, according to Osama al Habahbeh, Programme Coordinator for IMS.

IMS in Bahrain

IMS has sustained a presence in Bahrain since 2005, working directly with the journalist union, monitoring the media’s coverage of elections and working to promote ethical journalism in the country.