Bahrain Regime “book bannings” transgresses on freedom of expression and freedom of thought

Bahraini authorities prohibit distribution of books related to Hezbollah due to ‘promotion of sectarianism, hatred, extremist radical ideologies’
14 September, 2013 – ynetnews.com

Bahrain authorities banned the circulation of books that are about Hezbollah, written by people who are affiliated with the Shiite group or who support it, the Bahrain news agency reported Friday.

Authorities have reportedly shut down a publishing house affiliated with Hezbollah.

The state’s Information Affairs Authority issued a statement in which it explained the ban was due to the fact that publications related to the Lebanese organization were promoting “sectarianism, hatred and extremist radical ideologies,” and are “a direct threat to the safety and security of Bahrain.”

The statement, quoted in the Lebanese news website Naharnet, that any “attempt to import these books is a blatant and heinous violation against the will and sovereignty of Bahrain due to the poisonous sectarianism and ideologies that target the unity of the Bahraini society.”

Ties between Bahrain and Hezbollah have deteriorated after Hassan Nasrallah and his men announced they were in support of a 2011 uprising attempt in the country.

Bahrain had already blacklisted Hezbollah “due to its meddling in the country’s internal affairs.” …source