The Lebanese Center for Human Rights considers the initiative of Beirut's MP, Ghassan Hasbani, through which he launched the "Tabligh" application during a press conference against what he called "the illegal presence in Beirut," specifically in “Achrafieh”, one with serious consequences as it promotes racism and incitement. The Center emphasizes that this initiative has no legal basis; it encourages breaking the concept of the state rather than contributing to state-building of institutions that are supposed to be at the core of the work of public servants.
This application allows anyone who uses a smartphone to take a photo and choose the type of offense from the application’s list, sending the information to competent authorities working on the law's implementation. This application gives judicial powers to the people who aren’t specialized in law or its application. This may give civilians a role they are not quite capable or equipped to fulfill, as such a role should be restricted to judiciary power.
The Lebanese Center for Human Rights expresses its deep concern and deplores the use of digital technology to broadcast hate towards marginalized groups. Public work should be focused on creating institutional mechanisms and building a fair state for Lebanon's citizens and residents while upholding protective policies. The Center stresses the importance of working in the interest of the general public rather than the interests of a specific region while upholding international conventions that Lebanon has been involved in developing since the mid-twentieth century.
CLDH underscores the need to avoid tensions and sedation between Lebanese people and other residents in Lebanon due to the use of this application.
