Lebanese activists face legal action and arrest after criticizing television network’s perceived pro-Israeli bias
Two female activists from Lebanon have been detained and are undergoing legal proceedings following their criticism of a Beirut television station for alleged bias in favor of Israel.
Ghina Ghandour and Sahar Ghaddar, residents of southern Lebanon, were detained after failing to comply with a lawsuit demanding the removal of their posts on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Their posts criticized what they described as discriminatory practices by MTV Lebanon amid a period of intensified Israeli military actions against Lebanon.
In a social media post dated December 11, Ghandour criticized the station, labeling it as “a master manipulator of minds” with the aim of spreading discord and sectarianism.
She remarked that the suppression of dissenting opinions and the restriction of opposing viewpoints have become a new trend in curbing free speech.
The activist expressed feeling “honored” to be singled out by the organization, which she described as “morally bankrupt.” She further remarked, “Thank you for this badge of honor.”
In a statement on social media platform X, Ghaddar expressed pride in her solidarity with Lebanon amid what she described as Israeli aggression, asserting that “any honorable and free person” would take a similar stance.
“MTV maintained its critical approach, persisting with commentary perceived as challenging national sentiment even after the incident concluded,” she remarked.
The activist announced she has been summoned by the nation’s Cyber Crime Bureau following a lawsuit filed by the media channel in response to her position.
In a statement affirming her commitment to the fundamental right to freedom of speech, she declared her intention to comply with the authorities, underscoring her resolve by stating, “The pursuit of truth and justice will persist, regardless of the consequences.”
MTV Lebanon has faced criticism from numerous Lebanese activists due to its perceived support for the Israeli regime and its opposition to Hezbollah, the nation’s resistance movement.
The movement has acted as a defender of Lebanese territory and its citizens against prolonged Israeli aggression, which included an escalation that commenced in October of the previous year and persisted until a ceasefire was implemented last month.
Approximately 4,000 individuals lost their lives amid escalated raids preceding the ceasefire, which continues to be breached by the regime, resulting in fatal consequences for the Lebanese population.
The channel’s reporting has frequently been highlighted for exhibiting bias, particularly in its coverage and allegations directed at Hezbollah.
On July 30, MTV Lebanon’s journalist Nawal Berry and cameraman Dany Tanios were allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. The incident reportedly occurred as the team was covering the public’s response to an Israeli strike aimed at a senior Hezbollah official in the region.
One day subsequent, the channel issued a statement on its website, alleging that supporters of the movement were responsible for carrying out the purported attack.
The post alleged that the channel had encountered issues with the supporters of the movement, accusing them of an inability to tolerate dissenting opinions and a propensity for violence. It further claimed that the group’s advocates were willing to engage in such behaviors as long as they perceived themselves to be more powerful than the state.
In September, the station reported that Israeli forces targeted a financial entity purportedly linked to Hezbollah, resulting in what is being described as a “financial crisis” for the group.
Subsequently, a high-ranking Hezbollah representative stated that the Israeli airstrikes would not affect the group’s financial stability.
At that time, he stated that Hezbollah does not obtain its funding from this institution.
