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December 2, 2024 – Lebanon –
Lebanese journalist and Sky News Arabia analyst Daoud Rammal was physically assaulted in southern Lebanon—specifically in his hometown of Doueir, Nabatieh district—while reciting prayers at his mother’s grave. The attack occurred approximately six months ago and has been widely linked to Hezbollah members, amid a broader pattern of intimidation targeting independent journalists in Lebanon.
Rammal publicly condemned the assault as intended to “silence” his critical voice. In his statement, he vowed that the experience would “only strengthen my determination to continue fighting until the very end… regardless of the pressure and intimidation attempts”. Shortly after, he lodged a formal complaint with authorities against the attackers, seeking justice and accountability.
The incident provoked a swift reaction from Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, who reached out to Rammal, offering support and calling for an investigation into the assault. Additionally, the Independent Journalists Association condemned the attack, urging security services to pursue and prosecute the perpetrators and stressing that freedom of the media and journalists is “a red line… that cannot be crossed”.
This attack is emblematic of growing repression against media workers in Lebanon, where independent journalists face physical threats, legal harassment, and smear campaigns often tied to political or militant factions. Such incidents starkly challenge Lebanon’s democratic values and underline the precarious environment confronting reporters.
In summary, Rammal’s violent assault on sacred personal grounds and his determined response—filing a complaint and continuing his work—has become a rallying point in defense of media freedom. With political and institutional support now in place, the case may serve as a litmus test for Lebanon’s commitment to press protection. The outcome will signal whether such assaults go unpunished or whether there is a real chance for accountability and safeguarding of journalists’ fundamental rights.
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