Lebanon
Journalist accused of 'insulting' presidentPosted Dec 1 2009
Simon Abou Fadel, a writer with Al-Diyar newspaper and owner of Alkalima, an online newspaper, was charged Nov. 9 with “insulting” Pres. Michel Suleiman.
Abou Fadel criticized the president about his role in creating a national unity cabinet on air during a TV program. The program was aired Nov. 4 by private broadcaster MTV. By Nov. 5, Abou Fadel had received a call from the public prosecutor and was told to appear in court by Nov. 9, where he was charged.
Fadel could face up to a year in jail and a fine, according to Lebanon’s Daily Star. The Daily Star also says that the charges include slander, contempt and impugning the dignity of the head of state.
Abou Fadel told the International Press Institute (IPI): “I said in my [television] interview that the president should be more present in the establishment of the government. I am a journalist. I said what the people are saying. I offer analysis. I didn’t insult the president.”
“This is the first time that this president has taken the decision [to use this law],”Ghayath Yazbeck, MTV’s news and current affairs director, said to IPI. The law in question is a criminal defamation law, which IPI expressed concern about following their trip to Lebanon in Oct.