Bahraini Internet Activist Arrested
From the previous two stories, it's clear I've been reading Aljazeera. That's not how I usually spend my time, but unless I'm wrong, the network infamous for its anti-American reporting and circulation of tapes showing beheadings is beginning to pay more attention to human rights violations in the Arab world that heretofore were little noticed. I'd chalk up the change, again, to the Iraqi elections, as Aljazeera's constituency is thirsty for news on the possibility of the continued liberalization of the area.
It now looks like Bahraini police have arrested a 27-year-old Internet activist, Ali Abd al-Imam, on charges of "stirring hatred against the government and spreading false news that could jeopardise state security."
It is blocked by internet provider Bahrain Telecommunications Co, but it frequently changes its web address to circumvent this.
Bahrain, the Gulf's banking hub and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has introduced some reforms, but the opposition, led by the country's majority Shia Muslims, want more rights in the Sunni-ruled island state.
The web site, which is in Arabic, is here. It, or some site, is coming in at that address. Any Arabic readers out there who can give a status report on the site?
| Feb. 28, 2005 | 3:11 PM