This morning, a press conference was held at the Press Union in the presence of members from both the Press and Editors' Syndicates, along with journalists and media professionals. The gathering, initiated by Press Union head Aouni Kaaki and Editors' Syndicate leader Joseph Al-Qasifi, aimed to denounce the newly passed media law. The event began with the national anthem and a moment of silence for fallen journalists and patriots.
Press Union Vice-President George Solaj read a statement on behalf of the absent Kaaki, which expressed the following: "Despite our reservations about the Media Law, both syndicates were invited to a parliamentary session a day before the legislative meeting, presided over by Deputy Speaker of the House Elias Bou Saab and attended by Information Minister Paul Murcus and several MPs.
Alongside representatives from both syndicates, the meeting aimed to discuss amending the media law suitably. Conducted responsibly and peacefully, differing views were heard, and our detailed observations and reservations were documented as proposed amendments with unanimous agreement from attendees.
Key issues included objections to imprisonment penalties, the protection of journalism, resolving ambiguities in the law, clarifying board composition and authority, and addressing online press relations and affiliating syndicates.
However, today it was shockingly announced that the media law was approved without incorporating any agreed amendments.
Feeling deceived, as agreements were made expecting them to be honored, the syndicates find themselves needing to warn that underestimating media power is a mistake. The media can't be silenced or its demands overlooked. The syndicates, therefore, commit to pursuing this challenge to defend journalism and journalists' rights.
The deception, especially from national representatives, is regrettable. This battle will be waged to the end, defending media freedom, ensuring it is respectable, independent, and capable in Lebanon."
Joseph Al-Qasifi then declared: "We reject this shameful law masquerading as media legislation, a law criminalizing journalists, implying they are criminals. This oppressive law marginalizes the media sector from decision-making.
Journalists and media professionals must unite against the law's unjust treatment—specifically Article 104, which poses a significant threat with its severe penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines, threatening media stability. Additionally, the risk of mushrooming biased, sectarian unions looms, further fragmenting the media landscape.
From its inception, the law was flawed. The syndicates continuously appealed to decision-makers, including through proposals for a three-month review period, to address concerns and adjust gaps. Nevertheless, the understanding found little support.
Despite commitments made to John Bou Saab to consider syndicates' amendments, none materialized with Tuesday's law approval.
Disappointedly, we implore the President to return the law for revisions, enhancing media freedoms and unity. Legal steps are being prepared by syndicates to challenge the law in constitutional court, inviting fellow lawyers to join.
We do not recognize this law, vowing to resist and overturn it. Those who underestimate the dignity of the press will be held accountable. You may try to silence and control us, but we stand ready."
Fellow journalists: stand firm, united, unbowed. May no hand curb media freedom and honor.