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January 27, 2025 – Lebanon –
Journalists from Lebanese networks LBCI and MTV were assaulted in two separate incidents while covering events in southern Lebanon, raising serious concerns over the growing threats to press freedom in the region.
The first incident occurred near the villages of Deir Mimas and Khardali, where an LBCI team was reporting on civilians returning to their homes following prior military tensions. While filming, the crew was physically attacked by a group of unidentified individuals. LBCI correspondent Lara El Hachem and her cameraman were beaten, and the attackers seized their camera equipment and damaged their live-broadcast vehicle. El Hachem suffered bruises and required medical treatment following the assault.
Just a day earlier, on January 26, an MTV Lebanon crew faced harassment in the same area. Though the MTV journalists were not physically harmed, they were prevented from filming and broadcasting live, highlighting a pattern of intimidation designed to block media coverage of sensitive developments in the region.
Both attacks have been strongly condemned by local and international organizations. The Lebanese Journalists’ Syndicate (LJS) and the Press Editors Syndicate demanded immediate investigations, calling on authorities to ensure journalists’ safety while performing their duties. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), through its Lebanese affiliate, also condemned the incidents, describing them as serious violations of press freedom. IFJ Secretary General Anthony Bellanger urged Lebanese officials to take immediate action to investigate the attacks, prosecute those responsible, and ensure a safe environment for journalists.
These assaults reflect a dangerous trend of increasing hostility toward journalists in Lebanon, particularly in areas near conflict zones and political flashpoints. Similar incidents have occurred previously, including intimidation of MTV crews in Beirut’s southern suburbs and threats against journalists covering clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since October 2023.
As violence and political tensions continue to escalate in Lebanon, press freedom advocates are calling for urgent government intervention to address the growing climate of impunity and ensure that journalists can safely report from conflict zones without fear of violence or censorship.
Reference –
https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1307057/lbci-and-mtv-crews-attacked-in-southern-lebanon
