The monthly report released by the "Monitor for Freedom of Opinion and Expression" supervised by "Maharat Foundation", recorded a number of comments over some incidents that took place during the past months in the field of freedom of expression. These were:

 

-          The signing of the Arab Information ministers – including Lebanese Information minister – on the document of "Cable Transmission", provoked much criticism since this document restricts the freedom of opinion and expression. "Maharat Foundation" stresses on the fact that the freedom of opinion and expression should not be restrained unless by a legal text issued by the Lebanese Parliament or by a treaty endorsed by this parliament in concord with international standards especially those ratified by the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" and the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights". These restrictions should aim at protecting legitimate goals and the public interest of the people necessitates preserving these goals according to the needs of the democratic society.

 

-          Journalists from different media outlets complain about the limited sources that allow them to access accurate information. In addition, the information has become an item in the black market and accessing it depends on the media outlet for which the journalist work. Some reporters in certain areas are exposed to pressures by security forces in order to influence the content of their stories. This would obstruct the free circulation of information and disagrees with the principle that prohibits state intervention in this regard.

 

-          Last month had witnessed a number of cases where some citizens were attacked due to political gatherings in many regions. The journalists are being exposed to the same phenomenon during their media coverage in various regions. They are being offended depending on the media outlet they belong to. In this regard, "Maharat Foundation" underscores the fact that democratic societies are based on accepting others and respecting their rights of expression.

 

-          Some clashes that occurred during the past two months and which left many dead and injured people among the citizens in various areas in Beirut, prompted the Press Syndicate and the Army Command to request from Lebanese media outlets to abide by national and professional norms by accurately reporting news and information and [by] refraining from transmitting pictures that provoke feelings of the public opinion or stir up agitation, so that these media outlets continue to practice their exceptional role in supporting national unity. Hence, "Maharat Foundation" stresses the principle of press freedom in reporting news and in transmitting information to people, without abandoning credibility and objectivity, in addition to preventing the media from turning to an instigative means that deform the facts and inflame spirits.