Statement on the recent attack on the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI)
On the evening of the 22nd of January 2023, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) was attacked by unknown parties who threw a grenade at its studios. The attack took place following the first episode of the program "تعا قلو بيزعل", which was prepared and presented by Hussein Kaouk and Mohammed Dayekh. It is important to note that this is not the first comedy show from the same creators that receives violent backlash and leads to an attack on the TV channels that broadcast their work using the same methods.
This unfortunate event has occurred despite the fact that the Lebanese Constitution guarantees freedom of expression in paragraphs B and C of its preamble while also restricting it whenever it constitutes violence or a violation of public order to protect the rights of others. Article 13 of the Constitution ensures that "the freedom to express one's opinion orally or in writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association" is given without any restrictions or consent of a particular group or reference. These freedoms are also enshrined in articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which was ratified by Lebanon.
Based on the above, the Lebanese Center for Human Rights condemns the apparent violation of freedom of expression. We fear that these attacks which may be dismissed by the judiciary will turn into repeated attacks on the media sector and its employees without any accountability.
CLDH calls on the Ministry of Information to take the necessary steps to protect the Lebanese media sector as well as the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. It also calls on the judiciary to take the necessary steps to achieve justice for this media institution and the program's creators who have been subjected to flagrant violations on social media platforms and beyond.
