Steps have been taken to allow the return of 10 Bahraini journalists, who fled the country during the height of last year's unrest amid fears they would be arrested.

The Bahrain Journalists' Association (BJA) said yesterday it was holding talks with the reporters, who claim they were threatened with imprisonment or dismissal from work.

It is understood they left the country after taking part in anti-government protests and spreading false news to the Western media.

"There are about 10 journalists who left the country during the unrest last year," said a senior association member, who did not wish to be named.

"The BJA is in touch with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) regarding the case."

The association, which is affiliated with the IFJ, said the journalists travelled to London, Beirut and Cairo and later formed the Bahrain Press Association (BPA).

"It is important for us to protect all journalists whether members or non-members," he said. "We are seriously working on the case and have exchanged communication with IFJ officials. We certainly want all of them to return and have to ensure there is a climate of dialogue with the BPA, with no restrictions.”

Brussels-based IFJ is the largest organisation of journalists that represents around 600,000 members in more than 100 countries. – TradeArabia News Service