Bahrain's Ban on Travel: A Breach of all International Conventions

Since our last statement on the travel ban imposed on some journalists by the Bahraini government, without any evidence or legal basis, on 15 September 2017, almost three months ago, this ban is still imposed on journalists with the refusal of local authorities and government from issuing any clarification or legal support.

According to a statement submitted by the freelance journalist, Mr. Ahmed Radhi, he has visited the Immigration and Passports Department several times and has also submitted to the Public Prosecution a request to lift the travel ban. In addition, the freelance journalist was summoned to the Public Prosecutor's Office and charged with participating in an unlicensed rally without providing any clear evidence, only a so-called "private sources", which raises doubts about the transparency and impartiality of the judiciary system in sentencing.

The Committee is submitting this petition to human rights organizations, the international community, and the Human Rights Council to help put an end the illegal and unjustified ban imposed on journalists in Bahrain and to remove all restrictions that impede the movement of journalists and their professional activities, which is a clear violation of all international conventions and human rights law, in particular, article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides: (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. And even local laws, particularly the Bahraini constitution and law, which imposes travel bans on the basis of an existing lawsuit by independent judicial bodies. The Committee also calls for the cessation of all violations of press freedom, publication, freedom of movement and freedom of opinion and expression.

Journalist Support Committee - Bahrain
28 November 2017