Bahrain Mirror: Sources revealed that a number of Bahraini pro-government local newspapers dismissed a number of journalists and employees within the past few days, while reviewing the contracts of others amid the financial crisis Bahrain is facing.

The information indicated that the Al-Watan newspaper, owned by the royal court, has closed down its printery and dismissed its employees. Meanwhile, the Al-Ayam newspaper, owned by the Bahraini King's advisor Nabeel Al-Hamer, dismissed some employees and reduced the wages of others.

The Akhbar Al-Khaleej newspaper, the oldest of these papers affected by the crisis, also let go a number of employees from the Al-Hilal establishment owned by the newspaper.

On the other hand, the government and private companies reduced their advertising  spending, which affected the newspapers' financial conditions.

The Bahraini Journalist Association said that it followed in the last period the steps taken by some local Bahraini newspapers in laying off some of its journalists.

While the association expressed its deep disappointment for taking these steps, it called for preserving the rights of all of the dismissed.

The association further stated that although it takes into consideration the critical time and financial conditions the media institutions in Bahrain and region are experiencing, steps should not be taken on the expense of journalists.

Arabic Issue