The events surrounding the raid and detention of journalist Maryam Majdoleen continue to unfold following a post in which she criticized the spiritual authorities. She has since been released but remains under investigation. Journalist Syndicate head Joseph Al-Kasiefi issued the following statement: "The Syndicate has repeatedly informed the relevant authorities not to summon colleagues before the law enforcement and cybercrime offices, stressing the need to adhere to the provisions of the Press Law, particularly Articles 28 and 29, which state that journalists can only be prosecuted before the Press Court. Additionally, amendments to the Press Law in 1994 abolished imprisonment and preventive detention for what are deemed 'press crimes.' Just yesterday, I requested journalist Maryam Majdoleen Al-Laham not to appear before the criminal investigations department in accordance with the law and the Syndicate’s stance on this issue. Nonetheless, she presented herself, leading to her detention, a decision that is fundamentally and procedurally unacceptable and a precedent we categorically reject. This detention seems to have been used as a means of pressure, accompanied by a raid on her home, confiscation of her personal computer, unauthorized access to it, and deletion of the material at the heart of the complaint against her. This action is a breach of the sanctity of one’s home, which is troubling. Regardless of the complaint's significance, such behavior towards a journalist is unwarranted, as if she were a perpetrator of a serious crime."
He emphasized the importance of reaffirming that journalists are not criminals and that their rights are protected by existing laws, with freedom of expression and opinion safeguarded by the constitution. Al-Kasiefi added, "What happened to Maryam Majdoleen Al-Laham today could happen to any journalist if the law—especially the amendments made to the Press Law in 1994—is not respected. I urge my colleagues to adhere to what the Lebanese Press Syndicate has previously stated: they should only appear before an investigative judge or the Press Court in any judicial inquiries relating to what is termed a 'publication crime,' emphasizing that the label of criminal does not apply to journalists and that the treatment faced by Al-Laham was extremely harsh and unjustified. Therefore, I call on colleagues to be cautious regarding any summons they receive, consult their lawyers, and refer to the Syndicate before taking any actions."
Finally, he reiterated that the right to sue journalists is available to any individual or entity harmed by their actions, but the prosecution must occur before the Press Court. There are dozens of cases pending in this court, which handles them under the Press Law and issues rulings of acquittal or financial penalties. "We repeat this message to all those dealing with public affairs to ensure a sound relationship with the media community."
### Release
Judge Ghassan Khoury issued a decision to release journalist Maryam Majdoleen Al-Laham pending investigation after her detention concerning a post about corruption in spiritual tribunals.
### Press Club Statement
The Press Club released the following statement: "Once again, journalists' rights are being violated by the authorities in Lebanon, who are employing arbitrary procedures culminating in detention contrary to the law by unqualified bodies, considering that the Press Court is authorized to uphold justice. The Press Club condemns the actions taken against our colleague Maryam Majdoleen Al-Laham and calls for a reversal of the decisions made against her. We urge colleagues and unions concerned with journalism to take collective action to enhance the protection and immunity of journalists."
### Alternative Journalism
The Alternative Press Syndicate condemned her detention "over a tweet and attempts to force her to delete it, which is an illegal action, in addition to the refusal to allow her lawyer to remain with her during the investigation."
