His Majesty King Hamad has saluted the national Press, praising its role in raising awareness and spreading knowledge.
In a keynote message yesterday, he described loyal citizens working in the Press and media sector as partners in Bahrain’s development.
The royal message marked International Press Freedom Day, observed worldwide this year under the theme: ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights’.
He praised the national Press and media for performing their duty with utmost integrity, objectivity, credibility and professionalism, within a modern democratic climate and an advanced constitutional and legal system that guarantees mechanisms for exercising free expression of opinion responsibly, safely and independently.
“The guarantees for freedom of the Press and human rights enshrined in the National Action Charter and the Constitution lay the foundations for the progress and development of society in Bahrain,” he said.
“Obtaining correct and accurate information is an inherent right of the recipient and a duty of every journalist,” said the King, stressing the importance to debunk misleading information which may have devastating effects on societies, institutions, democracy and human rights, sow discord and derail development efforts.
He cited in this regard ‘hate speech’ which represents a form of misinformation that affects human rights and dignity.
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