Only a few years ago, people could argue that the Saudi press enjoyed little freedom of expression and could be censored on any significant topic or sensitive issue that did not meet with the approval of the government. Nowadays, however, press freedom has increased significantly since the government has loosened the shackles on the domestic press. Anyone who has closely followed the Saudi press since the 1990s will have noticed that Saudi papers now publish news and opinions that would have been considered unthinkable just a few years ago. And this is published regardless of the occasional attempts by the government or religious officials to utilize an array of behind-the-scenes controls to curtail enterprising coverage that might offend government institutions or the religious community. According to Saudi press laws, a 1964 press code gives the government the right to interfere with the press when it feels the general public's welfare is threatened, such as by certain criticisms of Islam, the royal family, or the government. In such cases, publication of the media can be curtailed. Included in this press code is the right of the Ministry of Culture and Information to veto any candidate proposed for inclusion on the board of directors of a press or other media organization. The ministry appoints the editor-in-chief and the chairman of the board from among candidates chosen by the board. The ministry also has the power to dismiss anyone chosen for these positions. The law requires the formation of a 15-member committee to assume financial and editorial responsibility for each privately-owned newspaper. The members of these committees have to be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Information. A 1982 Royal Decree requires journalists to adhere to stringent self-censorship, specifically in matters dealing with foreign or national heads of state. The same issues are emphasized in the newly amended Press and Publications Law of 2001. Foreign commentators often fail to understand the local situation, and they sometimes promote their values and their countries' experiences. Specifically, outside observers interested in Saudi affairs share three general characteristics: (1) they tend to pick individual incidents here and there and dwell on them, (2) they strive to impose their own perspectives and values when tackling other nations' matters, and (3) they do not update their knowledge concerning the most recent developments taking place in the Kingdom. Exercising full control of the media is no longer a major concern for the government for obvious reasons. Such a practice goes against the strategic reform movement in the Kingdom that affects economic, social, education and legal reforms. The government has realized that such reforms will not succeed if the vehicle or engine of reform and development — the press — is obstructed from playing its role. The government now recognizes that it needs public involvement and participation and this cannot be realized unless intellectuals and journalists work in a free and independent press environment where they can contribute positively to the national reform initiatives. Thus, unlike in the old days, journalists, intellectuals, and writers are given a wide margin of freedom to comprehensively discuss issues that include the judiciary and government departments. Another reason for loosening the restrictions on the press is that the advanced development of communication technology allows Saudi citizens to gain direct access to news from abroad. These technological developments have proven that censorship is no longer an effective tool. Outside commentators cannot impose their own values and expectations as freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia does not have the same meaning as in Western societies. In Europe, this freedom has deep roots and was gained only after long fights and struggles. Since our experience with the free press is relatively short, we are not in a rush to open this door wide because people need time to absorb this change. Besides, we do not want the press's freedom to be misused, especially by those who want to promote radical and fanatical thoughts. We are aware that the uncalculated use of freedom may turn the tables against freedom and so we are accepting gradual, not absolute, press freedom simply because we do not want to give a chance to someone to use the freedom of expression to threaten our national security and unity. On a different note, outside observers do not realize that press restrictions are brought about by people and professional organizations. Some chief editors, for various reasons, do not open their papers to writers who criticize the government and some journalists play a key part in creating a culture of self-censorship. Besides, some Saudi citizens have appointed themselves as custodians of public morality and the press by advocating the censorship of discussions on social and political issues that interest the Saudi public. As for the level of satisfaction with the current press situation, I would say that people are to some extent pleased, but more frank discourse and diverse voices are needed in the national media so that domestic issues can be openly discussed. If you further ask whether we have a truly free press, then the straightforward answer is no. We would like to see more independent reporting on public institutions and government performance and serious discussions on domestic issues such as corruption. In short, we need a platform for free and open debate on critical issues facing the Kingdom. However, we are making momentous changes even as we know that there is a long road ahead of us. All in all, those interested in the latest developments in Saudi Arabia should notice that things have recently changed dramatically. Yet, we need more time for these changes to bear fruit. We do acknowledge that the steps taken are small and do not meet Western standards, yet they are indeed leading us in the right direction. – The writer is a Saudi academic who can be reached at [email protected]
