Quizzing of MPs in ‘What’sApp Group case’ unwise: MP

Manama : A Bahraini MP’s plea for the interrogation of 23 other MPs in a social media case took a new turn with MP Dr. Majeed Al Asfoor terming it as “an unwise decision.”

MP Roua Al Hayki had filed a request to the Public Prosecution, demanding the interrogation of 23 MPs in the “What’sApp Group” case.

In response to her move, Al Asfoor said,“Al Hayki’s decision to request the Public Prosecution to revoke the parliamentary immunity of 23 MPs isn’t wise.”

Al Hayki had filed claims to the Prosecution regarding an alleged defamation case that involves a local Arabic daily and other MPs, including Dr. Al Asfoor.

DT News reported last month that the local daily published screenshots of a conversation that was shared in the WhatsApp group by Al Hayki.

The report alleged that Al Hayki had accused security authorities of causing the death of a Bahraini woman, who was reportedly killed in a terrorist explosion in East Eker on June 20.

However, the MP denied the allegations and accused the newspaper of defamation. The paper’s Chief Editor was interrogated by the Public Prosecution a few days ago.

Being the WhatsApp group’s administrator, Dr. Al Asfoor might be subjected to legal accountability for what’s posted and shared in the group. But he said that “there’re no specific laws that hold group admins responsible for the materials posted in groups they administrate.”

He commented: “I’m ready to testify before the Prosecution. I’ve saved the conversations that were posted on the group on the day of the incident.”

Dr. Al Asfoor clarified that Al Hayki had adopted whatever she posted on the group on that date and didn’t quote what is being circulated on social media as she claimed.

He also said that the members of the group didn’t comment or make any accusations against her.

“We preferred to remain silent about the issue, respecting the Legislative Authority’s sanctity, but MP Al Hayki decided to escalate the matter. Currently, several MPs are trying to solve this matter in an amicable manner,” the lawmaker added.