Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi.

Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi said that any attempt to spark strife and target national unity through social media websites will be deterred.
Addressing the Parliament today, he stressed continuous coordination and follow-up with competent authorities regarding the circumstances of any development related to Bahrain and its image in external media.

He underlined the crucial role played by the Ministry of Information Affairs in cementing national unity and confronting false news about Bahrain.
"Bahrain has been targeted since 2011 by a systematic media propaganda campaign, adamantly orchestrated by states and agencies to defame its image", he said, paying tribute to the wise leadership and loyal Bahrain people which stood united to foil all conspiracies against the nation.
Responding to question by MP Mohsen Al-Bakri, the minister stressed constant coordination with the Foreign Ministry and direct communication with all ambassadors regarding human rights issues.
"Social media websites are not affiliated with a specific party or governmental institution, being available to all people within legal regulatory provisions", he said, adding that Bahrain has no "legislative vacuum".
"We can use the penal law, the law on cybercrimes, the press law and the law on protecting state documents, among other legislations, to sue anyone who attempts to target national unity through social media", he said.

Source: BNA