Morcos: Freedom Is Responsibility, and We Call for Rational, Balanced and Non-Provocative Discourse

Information Minister Paul Morcos stressed the importance of regulating media discourse and social media platforms, affirming that freedom of expression must remain within the framework of respecting dignity, beliefs and religious symbols.

He said in a statement: “The function of social media is to enable communication among people, not to offend beliefs, symbols and religious authorities, undermine people’s dignity, or engage in personal attacks.”

He added: “I have been following hate speech on social media. At the Ministry of Information, we are working to curb it through awareness campaigns, meetings and contacts aimed at addressing it. However, we respect the role of prosecution, which falls under the judiciary and not the Ministry of Information.”

He pointed out that he “encourages the expression of political opinion to the fullest extent, but with respect for the rights, freedoms and dignity of others.”

He concluded: “While we are deeply committed to upholding freedom of opinion and expression at the media and political levels, we call on all media outlets, in all their forms, as well as social media users, to adopt rational, balanced and non-provocative discourse, especially since freedom is a responsibility, and social stability and freedom are inseparable. Any transgression beyond this framework has nothing to do with freedom and falls under criminal prosecution by the judiciary, which we respect, not the Ministry of Information.”