The Bahraini government announced on Sunday an indefinite ban on the independent Al Wasat newspaper, accusing it of publishing “what sows division” in the kingdom.
The ministry of information affairs said it had decided to bar the newspaper’s publication and stop its circulation “until further notice”, without specifying if the ban affected the electronic edition, the BNA state news agency reported.
The order was made due to Al Wasat’s “violation of the law and repeatedly publishing what sows division in the society and affects Bahrain’s relations with other states”, the BNA said.
The decision came after the paper published an article on Sunday that was “offensive to a sisterly Arab state”, the BNA said, in an apparent reference to an article that praised protests in Morocco.
Manama suspended the electronic edition of Al Wasat for a few days in January over accusations that the newspaper was sowing sedition and harming national unity.
The paper was also suspended for two days in August 2015 on similar charges.
Bahrain has been rocked by sporadic unrest since March 2011 when security forces brutally crushed an Arab Spring-inspired uprising.
At the height of the 2011 uprising, Al Wasat was suspended and its chief editor, Mansoor Al Jamri, tried and fined for publishing false information.
The latest ban comes as authorities intensify a crackdown on the opposition, with police shooting dead five demonstrators last month as security forces dismantled a months-long sit-in.
* Agence France-Presse
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
COMPANY PROFILE
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
A State of Passion
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
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Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
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Live: BeIN Sports HD
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Date of birth September 19, 1990
Place of birth Bury, United Kingdom
Age 26
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Fighter profiles
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Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
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