Bahrain bans reporting on detained activists

The country's public prosecutor issued the order regarding the ongoing detention of a prominent Shiite activist and scores of other opposition members.

CAIRO // Bahrain's public prosecutor has banned media from reporting on a prominent Shiite activist and scores of other opposition members detained in an ongoing crackdown ahead of October parliament elections. The crackdown follows a series of violent Shiite-led protests accusing the government of discrimination. Prosecutor Ali al Buainain's statement says all print, radio, TV, Internet and other media may not "publish or broadcast anything related to" detained activists Abdul Jalil al Sengace and others held since mid-August. Friday's announcement was published in all Bahraini newspapers. It says the investigations "require secrecy in order to uncover the truth and preserve public order" and warns offenders could face a year's imprisonment under the law. * Associated Press