Last Updated: Friday, 26 May 2023, 13:32 GMT

Bahrain demands apology from Iran for translation error

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 2 September 2012
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bahrain demands apology from Iran for translation error, 2 September 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/504719a7c.html [accessed 28 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

September 02, 2012

Egyptian President Muhammad MorsiEgyptian President Muhammad Morsi

Bahrain has demanded an apology from Iran for an incorrect translation of a speech that appeared to list the island nation as one of the Arab states to have experienced a revolution in the past year.

The Bahraini government lodged a complaint with Iranian officials after Farsi interpreters translating a speech by Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi on Iranian state television and radio replaced the word "Syria" with "Bahrain."

Morsi, who was elected president in June, made his remarks on August 30 during a meeting in Tehran of the Nonaligned Movement.

Bahrain's state-run news agency accused Iranian media of interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs and called the mistranslation "a violation, fabrication, and unacceptable media behavior."

Shi'ite power Iran, a close ally of Syria, has frequently criticized Bahraini authorities for crackdowns against mainly Shi'ite protesters seeking greater political rights.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036

Search Refworld