New York, June 14 (QNA) - Human Rights Watch condemned the recent actions taken by three GCC states to block media outlets that have ties to Qatar or sympathize with it, describing it as a "violation of freedom of expression."

In a report published on its website on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have threatened criminal sanctions under existing laws against people who criticize the actions these governments have taken against Qatar and its citizens or who have expressed sympathy toward Qatar.

"Individuals have a right to express a variety of perspectives on current events," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Governments dont have the right to close down media outlets and criminalize speech to shut out criticism they find uncomfortable."

"The media need protection from political interference, not official muzzling," Whitson said. "The offending governments should demonstrate they understand and respect the role of media outlets, even those they dont agree with."

The Organization urged authorities in the three countries to repeal or amend laws that are used to criminalize peaceful expression.

International law on freedom of speech prohibits the banning of peaceful criticism of governments, it added.