Lebanese press syndicates demand amendments to new media law

The heads of the Lebanese Press Syndicate and the Lebanese Editors Syndicate, Aouni Kaaki and Joseph Chafifi, have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over a recently passed media law. The syndicates argue that the law is designed to tame the press and restrict media freedoms in Lebanon.

According to the statement, the law was approved by Parliament without sufficient discussion or the implementation of promised amendments. The leaders criticized the legislation for potentially enabling the imprisonment of journalists and imposing excessive fines. They also expressed concern that certain provisions aim to fragment union work and weaken the collective ability of media professionals to defend their rights.

The syndicates stated they are awaiting the promised legislative amendments and warned that they will not remain silent if the law is implemented in its current form without changes.