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3 former editors of Bahrain paper reject allegations in court
MANAMA: Lawyers for three former top editors of Bahrains main opposition newspaper on Sunday challenged allegations of unethical coverage by their clients during mass anti-government protests in the country.The trial of the editors of Al Wasat newspaper, who were forced to resign from Bahrains most widely read newspaper after the government imposed emergency rule in March to quell dissent, is part of a sweeping crackdown on the island nations opposition. The charges against the three former editors, who pleaded not guilty last month, include publishing false news and endangering public order. If convicted on all charges, they face at least two years in jail and hefty financial fines. Two employees of Al Wasat newspaper told Bahrains highest criminal court on Sunday that the editors overlooked fabricated information because of the difficult conditions facing the kingdoms only opposition paper during anti-government demonstrations. The two employees said the newspapers offices had been vandalized and its staff had been threatened, forcing reporters and editors to work from home. Al Wasats founder and former chief editor, Mansoor Al-Jamri, told the court during last weeks hearing that the paper published the fabricated items after it fell victim to a plot aimed at undermining Al Wasats role as the main voice for pro-reform advocates. Another hearing in the case is set for July 3. Posted by: Steve White 2011-06-20 |
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