Bahrain: Award-Winning Photographers Targeted
Authorities in Bahrain are arbitrarily detaining photographers who have covered protests and convicting them in unfair trials. Four award-winning Bahraini photographers are either in jail or facing criminal charges in what appears to be part of a policy that violates photographers’ right to freedom of expression.
“The images that Ahmed Humaidan and Hussain Hubail captured portray a reality that the Bahraini government would prefer that the world – and other Bahrainis – not see,” said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director. “Throwing photographers in jail isn’t going to keep either the protests or the accounts of what happens in Bahrain out of the world’s sight.”
Photo 1: This photo of an anti-government protester by Ahmed Al-Fardan won first place in Freedom House’s annual photo contest in April 2013. © 2013 Ahmed Fardan
Photo 2: This photo of street protests won Hussain Hubai first prize in a contest organized by Al Wasat newspaper in February 2013. © 2013 Hussain Hubai
Committee to Protect Journalists
CPJ promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.