DUBAI: A new Arabic 24-hour news network is to be based in the tiny, embattled Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, government officials said on Tuesday. The move has been met with frustration and worries from activists who have continued a protest movement in the country demanding greater freedoms despite violent crackdowns on protesters by government forces. “It is sad that he would come to Bahrain to open a channel he professes to be independent and free. It is impossible here,” said Sherif Abdullah, a Bahraini protester and media anlayst. But Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal appears to think otherwise and despite months of unrest in the island kingdom, will be opening up shop next year in the country. Bahrain's Information Affairs Authority said in a statement late on Tuesday that the prince's Alarab channel will be based in the Bahraini capital Manama's Media City office complex. The network expects to launch next year. Bin Talal has not officially said where the channel will be based. Bahrain has been shaken by 10 months of large-scale protests and clashes between security forces loyal to the Sunni monarchy and opposition groups led by the country's majority Shiites. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/qNWiE Tags: Alarab News Network, Alwaleed Bin Talal Section: Bahrain, Latest News, Media, Saudi Arabia
