The heads of the Lebanese Press Syndicate and the Association of Editors, Aouni Kaaki and Joseph Qasifi, have issued a statement expressing concerns over the newly enacted "Media Law." They argue that the law poses a significant threat to press freedom and the union's efforts to protect journalists' rights.
The syndicates highlighted that the current version of the law, passed by Parliament without adequate deliberation or incorporation of proposed amendments, suggests a governmental intent to control journalism and restrict media freedoms. Initial promises of amendments were not honored, raising concerns about the law's implications.
The controversial law has attracted international support, allegedly due to influences that disregard Lebanon’s sovereignty. Some legal professionals have expressed support without thoroughly analyzing the law or addressing the concerns of the Lebanese Bar Association.
Furthermore, the law includes harsh measures that could lead to the imprisonment and intimidation of journalists, threatening high fines and punitive actions that they may not afford to contest.
Critics also argue that the law is designed to destabilize the journalistic community by targeting its unity, impairing its ability to defend itself.
The statement poses direct questions to the law’s proponents, questioning their future safety from the law’s repercussions and reminding them of the proverbial lesson on solidarity: "I was eaten the day the white bull was eaten."
The syndicates lament the law's introduction of repression and chaos rather than progressive legal reform. While awaiting the promised amendments, they emphasize that if the law remains unchanged, they will vociferously oppose it.
The statement concludes by emphasizing that freedom of the press is essential to Lebanese freedom, warning that if journalism is stifled, Lebanon's peace and freedom are at risk.