The following statement was issued by Abdelhadi Mahfouz, head of the National Audiovisual Media Council:
“Negative media discourse that targets the person of spiritual authorities is misplaced and harmful to relations among Lebanon’s components, and intentionally or unintentionally entails sectarian incitement and deepens division.
The miserable caricature of Sheikh Naim Qassem, which was broadcast by a television institution, provoked reactions on social media platforms that in turn negatively targeted His Beatitude Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi. This is a type of media approach that responds to and imitates harmful sectarian provocation. Action and reaction alike amount to a free service to Israeli policies aimed at stirring internal Lebanese strife, reinforcing hatred, sectarian isolation, and the option of cantons, while weakening Lebanon both in negotiations and in resisting the occupation at the same time.
In conclusion, ‘Religions meet in God,’ as Imam Sayyed Moussa al-Sadr says, so let us not drag them into narrow media calculations. What we as Lebanese all need is calm and constructive media that unites rather than divides, at a moment that requires dialogue, not estrangement, division, or mutual suspicion.
In all cases, what is required is the application of the law in blatant violations by the government, the Lebanese judiciary, and the National Audiovisual Media Council, which through its advisory role can propose the appropriate measure against any media violation. Such measures range from notice to warning, temporary suspension, and financial fines. Social media sites can also be blocked through the Ministry of Telecommunications, and licenses can be withdrawn from violating electronic platforms. Furthermore, any violation may be considered a notification from the National Audiovisual Media Council to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Judge Ahmad al-Haj—whom we congratulate and commend on his new position—so that the appropriate legal action may be taken.
Enough tampering with the security and unity of society under the banner of the wrongful use of media freedom.”
