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March 07, 2026 – Lebanon –
Lebanese authorities have arrested journalist Aly Berro, a correspondent for the Hezbollah-affiliated television channel Al-Manar, following a judicial warrant linked to statements he made on social media, according to official media reports.
Berro was detained on 6 March 2026 after a warrant was issued by Attorney General Judge Jamal Hajjar, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported. Security forces from the Internal Security Forces’ information branch were instructed to question the journalist in the presence of his lawyer before deciding on further legal action.
The case stems from a series of videos Berro posted online in recent months in which he criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, while also defending Hezbollah’s weapons. Authorities said the videos included remarks considered offensive toward political leaders.
According to judicial officials, the arrest warrant had originally been issued after Berro failed to appear for questioning three times over allegations including insulting the prime minister and other officials. His detention followed a continued refusal to present himself to prosecutors for interrogation.
The arrest comes amid a tense political and security environment in Lebanon. Earlier in the week, the Lebanese government banned Hezbollah’s military activities after the group launched rockets toward Israel in retaliation for the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, a move that further drew Lebanon into the escalating regional conflict.
Lebanese authorities have in recent years faced growing pressure to assert state control over armed groups and political actors operating within the country. The issue gained urgency following the 2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel, which weakened the group and prompted renewed commitments by the Lebanese government to pursue disarmament.
Hezbollah, however, has rejected calls to surrender its weapons, maintaining that its armed wing remains essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli attacks. The broader political dispute over Hezbollah’s role continues to influence the country’s internal security policies and legal actions.
Berro’s detention has drawn attention to the sensitive intersection of journalism, political speech, and national security during a period of heightened regional tensions. Authorities said the next steps in the case will depend on the outcome of the ongoing interrogation and the judicial review that follows.
Reference –
https://www.nampa.org/text/22880462
