The Lebanese Parliament’s Administration and Justice Committee is nearing the conclusion of private discussions on a new media law that, if passed in its current form, could significantly restrict freedom of expression and press freedom in Lebanon. The proposed law would impose harsher penalties for defamation and insults, and, according to the Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Lebanon, undermine essential human rights protections.
Alarming Provisions Threaten Press Freedom
The latest draft of the media law, reviewed by members of the Coalition, introduces numerous provisions that would severely curtail press freedom. It not only upholds criminal penalties for defamation and insults but, in some cases, also increases prison sentences and fines. Such laws have been increasingly used by Lebanese authorities to target journalists, human rights defenders, and critics. One of the most concerning provisions is the retention of prison terms of up to three years for insulting “recognized religions.”
In addition to these punitive measures, the law criminalizes defamation against heads of state, diplomats, and government officials. Under the current proposal, individuals found guilty of defaming the Lebanese president or a foreign leader could face up to two years in prison, a significant increase from the current law. The draft legislation also gives the public prosecutor the authority to file defamation charges without a formal complaint, further exacerbating the risks faced by journalists and critics.
Lack of Transparency and Public Engagement
The Committee’s closed-door discussions on the law have drawn sharp criticism from civil society. Requests by the Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression to attend the sessions were rejected, limiting public oversight and input into the legislative process. The Coalition expressed concern that the media law is being pushed through while Lebanon is distracted by the ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 14 civilians since October 7.
“It is deeply concerning that the draft law is being privately discussed and hidden from public scrutiny, while the spotlight is fixed on the ongoing Israeli attacks in South Lebanon,” said the Coalition. They further warned that if approved, the law would enable authorities to continue using defamation laws to silence critics and stifle press freedom.
Failure to Meet International Standards
The proposed media law is set to replace Lebanon’s current Publications Law of 1962 and the Audiovisual Law of 1994. The Administration and Justice Committee claimed it reviewed the draft in light of comments from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), made in collaboration with Lebanon’s Ministry of Information in 2023. However, credible sources within the Coalition reported that UNESCO’s recommended amendments—particularly those calling for the removal of criminal penalties for defamation—were dismissed by the Committee.
The proposed law stands in stark contrast to international human rights standards, which call for the decriminalization of defamation and the protection of free speech. According to these standards, imprisonment should not be used as a punishment for peaceful criticism, including criticism directed at political leaders and public officials. The law should ensure that public figures are not given special protections from defamation or insults, and that truth is a complete defense in defamation cases.
Impact on Journalists and Free Speech
In recent years, Lebanon has seen a marked increase in prosecutions targeting journalists, activists, and government critics. Defamation and insult laws have been wielded as tools of intimidation, curbing individuals’ ability to report on issues of public interest. A notable example occurred in July 2023 when journalist Dima Sadek was sentenced to one year in prison and fined LBP 110 million (approximately USD 1,200) for defamation after criticizing a political party.
The proposed law would further entrench these repressive measures by introducing new penalties for defamation against ambassadors and diplomatic missions. It also includes provisions that double the penalties for repeat offenders and continues to criminalize statements deemed insulting to religions or disruptive to national unity.
In addition, the law would limit the ability of journalists and media workers to organize freely, dictating that there can only be one official media syndicate. It also imposes strict licensing fees and regulations for media outlets, threatening to suppress independent journalism and restrict public access to critical information.
Calls for Amendments and Public Consultation
The Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Lebanon is calling on the Parliament to make legislative discussions around the media law public and to ensure meaningful input from civil society. They are urging Parliament to amend the law in accordance with international human rights standards, including:
- Removing all criminal penalties for insults and defamation, including those directed at heads of state.
- Replacing criminal sanctions with civil penalties that are proportionate to actual harm caused.
- Ensuring that truth is a complete defense to defamation.
- Protecting the right to criticize public figures and government officials without fear of criminal prosecution.
- Removing restrictions on media workers’ rights to form associations and abolishing onerous licensing requirements for media outlets.
If passed in its current form, the proposed media law would represent a dangerous setback for freedom of expression in Lebanon. The international community and civil society must continue to advocate for changes that safeguard press freedom and uphold human rights.