LCP Media Section: The ruling coalition wants to adopt a new repressive law against independent media

At the request of the Lebanese Press Editors’ Syndicate, the Lebanese Communist Party ( LCP) attended a meeting, to discuss a new media law: new legislation to be put on the agenda of the Parliamentary committees. Most of the political parties representatives who attended this meeting either finance or control the main country’s media outlets. Therefore, none voiced concerns or brought any observations to the table, except our party. In this context, the LCP cannot approve a law which was not shared with it, or with the public. In addition, the legislation’s content is still unclear. As a result, our party is extremely concerned about the intentions behind the newly introduced draft law. We see it as a serious threat to freedom of expression and a clear attempt by the country’s ruling class to continue its oppression and intimidation against activists and journalists. This is a continuation of a policy endorsed by the ruling class; a policy based on ignoring the facts and hiding reality. It started with dismissing the forensic audit into the accounts of BDL, and ended in exerting pressure on the General Prosecutor, tasked to lead the investigations into the Beirut Port explosion. It should be noted that Lebanon's highest court asked the chief prosecutor investigating last year's massive Beirut port explosion to step down on Thursday, February 18.

Following this meeting and its outcomes, it is clear that there is a consensus among the country’s political factions to proceed with this law. In this context, the LCP affirms its opposition to any legislation that poses restrictions on freedom of expression, whether these views are broadcast on traditional media outlets or over social media platforms. Our party takes this opportunity to remind those who attended the meeting, in addition to all media practitioners, that it is necessary to abide by media laws and articles that forbid the provocation of sectarian strife and sectarian incitement. On a final note, the LCP urges all associations who are keen on freedom of speech to take part in this battle- yet another battle against the corrupt sectarian system.

Media Relations Office of
The Lebanese Communist Party

February 19, 2021