The Bahraini government has issued a decree to close Al Jazeera's bureau in Manama, citing what it called the TV channel's "breach of media norms". In an official statement, the Bahraini culture and information ministry accused the network of "flouting the laws regulating the press and publishing" in the kingdom.
Bahrain's official news agency, BNA, citing the ministry, said the channel will continue to be blocked from operating in the kongdomuntil an agreement is reached that includes permission for Bahraini media to work in Qatar, where Al Jazeera is based.
"The freeze will continue until a memorandum of understanding outlining the relations between the ministry and the channel, which preserves the rights of both parties in accordance with the principal of reciprocity in practice of journalism and media, is reached between the two countries," the statement said.
