A draft Press law is set for debate during Shura Council’s weekly session on Sunday.
Amendments to the 2002 Press, Printing and Publishing Law seeks to introduce a modern legal framework for both traditional and digital media while abolishing prison sentences for media-related offences.
The long-anticipated proposed legislation – now renamed the Publications and Digital Media Law of 2002 – represents a sweeping overhaul of Bahrain’s media regulations for the first time in over two decades.
The bill aims to strike a careful balance between freedom of expression and legal accountability, ensuring that journalism keeps pace with the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
Shura Council services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman said it had thoroughly studied the government-drafted law and considered the views of MPs, the Information Ministry, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Bahrain Journalists Association and local newspapers before recommending its approval.
“This law is a milestone in Bahrain’s legislative history,” she said. “It translates the constitutional principles enshrined in Article 23 – guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression – into a modern, practical framework that protects journalists and embraces the evolution of media in the digital era.
“The law eliminates all prison sentences related to publishing offences and replaces them with proportionate financial penalties.
“This shift reflects a progressive approach that respects freedom while ensuring accountability. No journalist should face imprisonment for a professional mistake, but responsibility and ethical standards must still prevail,” added Dr Al Salman.
Those launching unlicensed publications or operating unauthorised printing facilities or media activities could face fines of up to BD5,000, while editors who fail to publish mandated corrections within three days would face fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD10,000.
If a correction is published voluntarily before legal action is taken, the violation could be waived – a provision that Dr Al Salman said “encourages transparency and self-correction within the profession rather than punishment”.
The Information Ministry described the law as an effort to “develop a balanced legislative environment that keeps pace with digital transformation while protecting freedom of opinion and expression”.
The NIHR said it supported the overall goals of the legislation but urged further review of certain provisions to ensure full alignment with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Bahrain ratified in 2006.
Dr Al Salman noted that one of the law’s key innovations is the introduction of an entire chapter dedicated to digital media, which legally recognises online news platforms and professional media websites.
“The law clearly distinguishes between professional digital media and personal social media accounts,” she explained. “This ensures that private individuals remain free to express their opinions online without falling under professional licensing or regulatory frameworks meant for organised media entities.”
Under the new provisions, all existing digital media platforms will be required to regularise their status within six months of the law’s enactment. This includes obtaining proper licensing and ensuring editorial accountability similar to print publications, though with flexible procedures adapted to digital realities.
A cornerstone of the reform, Dr Al Salman emphasised, was the abolition of imprisonment in all media-related cases.
“This marks a decisive step forward for human rights and the rule of law,” she said. “By removing the threat of jail time, we not only protect individual freedoms, but also strengthen the credibility and responsibility of the Press. The law reaffirms Bahrain’s commitment to international human rights standards.”
Members of the Shura Council are expected to discuss the draft law’s provisions in detail before referring it for final approval.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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