Lebanese Press Club Demands Zero Tolerance for Assaults on Journalists
In a statement issued Saturday, the Lebanese Press Club applauded the efforts of media professionals during the war and called for an end to attacks on journalists, urging the abandonment of treason rhetoric.
The Lebanese Press Club expressed appreciation for “the efforts that resulted in the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of Resolution 1701, hoping that this would pave the way for lasting stability and calm. It called for the restructuring of authority, beginning with the election of a president, which would enable the normalization of political life, reconstruction, and the dignified return of all displaced persons.”
The Lebanese Press Club also hailed “the dedication of media professionals during the war, paying tribute to those martyred and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded. It strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on journalists, urging that the matter be brought to international attention.”
In addition, the Lebanese Press Club expressed hope that; “in light of the suffering Lebanon and its people have endured, some would move away from the language of treason used against those with differing views on the country’s developments. It urged an end to such rhetoric, which has been reflected in ongoing attacks and threats against both male and female journalists. The Club cited the recent assault on their colleague, Daoud Rammal, in his hometown of Doueir as evidence of this continued disregard for accountability.”
The Lebanese Press Club called on “the security forces to show zero tolerance towards the attackers, regardless of their affiliations, demanding their arrest and accountability before a strong judiciary. It stressed the need to prevent the recurrence of such violations against freedom of expression and the threats to the lives of citizens who have committed no crime other than expressing their opinions freely and with conviction.”
Just days ago, media professional and MCS website colleague Nancy Lakiss faced threats of assault and violence from the Lebanese Hezbollah group, simply for voicing her opposition to its policies.
