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Lebanon Refuses To Sign Media Freedom Statement Because It Mentions Protecting LGBTQI Individuals
Another day, another blow to press freedom and human rights in Lebanon.
During the closing ceremony of the Global Conference for Media Freedom 2020, participants (including Lebanon) were asked to sign a statement which calls upon the coalition members to advocate for and support media freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists.
Lebanon was the only country out of 37 member states of the coalition to refuse to sign the statement.
The reason? The statement includes a section about diverse media representation of the most vulnerable marginalized groups such as women and LGBTI persons. Apparently, this was too inclusive for our glorious state.
Minister of Foreign Affairs in the caretaker government Charbel Wehbi defended his refusal to sign, arguing with reporters about the ramifications of this embarrassment.
He also hilariously said that Lebanon and press freedom are two peas in a pod.
This comes at a time where journalists have been targets of harassment and abuse from a corrupt and expired political ruling class.
During the closing ceremony of the Global Conference for Media Freedom 2020, participants (including Lebanon) were asked to sign a statement which calls upon the coalition members to advocate for and support media freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists.
Lebanon was the only country out of 37 member states of the coalition to refuse to sign the statement.
The reason? The statement includes a section about diverse media representation of the most vulnerable marginalized groups such as women and LGBTI persons. Apparently, this was too inclusive for our glorious state.
.
— Charbel WEHBI (@Mcharbelwehbi) November 18, 2020
Minister of Foreign Affairs in the caretaker government Charbel Wehbi defended his refusal to sign, arguing with reporters about the ramifications of this embarrassment.
— Charbel WEHBI (@Mcharbelwehbi) November 18, 2020
He also hilariously said that Lebanon and press freedom are two peas in a pod.
— Charbel WEHBI (@Mcharbelwehbi) November 16, 2020
This comes at a time where journalists have been targets of harassment and abuse from a corrupt and expired political ruling class.
