(Credit: IFJ, screenshot)

The Bahrain Journalists Association finalized its code of ethics and published it Jan. 20, according to Bahrain News Agency.

We wrote in early January when the Bahrain Journalists Association called for the public and journalists to weigh in on its draft code of ethics.  The code is titled the “Journalists’ Professional Ethics Charter.”

According to Bahrain News Agency, “BJA received many significant remarks from journalists and media people which have been taken into consideration.”

The code “is not binding,” however the BJA wants it to be law, according to Gulf Daily News.  The code was created after “the recommendation was put forward at the National Dialogue last year.”

The BJA’s cultural and foreign relations committee chairperson Abdulla Al Mannai called it a “step forward towards self-regulation,” according to Gulf Daily News.

The International Federation of Journalists’ president Jim Boumelha attended the code’s launch ceremony.  Boumelha called the code “excellent news” and “a major keystone” for the BJA, according to Bahrain News Agency.

We have written to the Bahrain Journalists Association seeking more information about the code and will update with any response.