Minister Marqos Highlights New Legislation to Combat Hate Speech

The Diocese of Our Lady of Salvation in Zahle hosted a national media gathering with Minister of Information Paul Marqos under the theme "Combating Hate Speech and Media Misinformation." The event was convened by Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, patron of the Zahle Eparchy of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and attended by Environment Minister Dr. Tamara Al-Zein; MPs George Aaqis, Salim Aoun, and Elias Estefan; former ministers Salim Wardeh and Elie Marouni; former MPs Tony Abu Khater and Shant Janjinyan; and Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church Joseph Absi, represented by Zahle and Bekaa Archbishop Ibrahim Michael Ibrahim.

Other attendees included Maronite Bishop of Zahle Joseph Mawwad; Metropolitan Antonius Al-Souri, Zahle and Bekaa Orthodox Archbishop, represented by Father Seraphim Makhoul; Episcopal Deputy Archimandrite Elie Maalouf; Bekaa Governor Judge Kamal Abu Joudeh; Public Prosecutor at the Audit Bureau Judge Fawzi Khamis; President of the Melkite Catholic League Consul Kabi Abu Rajili; President of the Bolsan League Brigadier General Fadi Sleiba; Bekaa Appellate Prosecutor Judge Marcel Haddad; Director General of the General Secretariat of the Presidency Brigadier General Elie Mina; Director General of Agriculture Engineer Louis Lahoud; Chairwoman and General Manager of Télé Liban Alissar Nadaf; Director General of External Relations at the Parliament Christine Zaatar Maalouf; Chairman and Director General of the Bekaa Water Establishment Dr. Anton Makroun; President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Munir Al-Tini; President of the Bekaa Industrialists Assembly Nicola Abu Faisal; Commander of the Bekaa Internal Security Forces Brigadier General Nadim Abd Al-Masih; Head of Lebanon’s Food Safety Authority Dr. Elie Awad; and President of the Maronite General Council Engineer Michel Matta. Representatives from the Lebanese Forces, Kataeb Party, Free Patriotic Movement, Zahle Gathering, Syriac Union, and the Free Patriotic Movement also participated, alongside mayors of Zahle, Al-Maqlaa, Tannayel, Chtoura, and Ablah, as well as the President of the Medical Professions Syndicates Professor Youssef Bkhash, cultural and social figures, civil society representatives, and a large media presence.

This meeting was organized to support the Ministry of Information’s efforts to promote responsible media discourse and to reinforce the values of truth and coexistence.

The event began with the Lebanese national anthem and an opening speech delivered by the host, media professional Dolly Al-Qai.

During the gathering, Minister Marqos honored Antoine Zarzor, the dean of journalists in Zahle, in recognition of his media and national career spanning over five decades. The General Manager of Télé Liban read a certificate of appreciation issued by the Minister of Information, emphasizing that "this honor acknowledges Zarzor’s contributions to establishing free media, enhancing professionalism, and serving truthful communication, alongside his role in founding and developing media institutions, contributing to media legislation, and promoting Zahle’s cultural and civilizational image."

She added, "Through this certificate, the ministry honors an exceptional career that set a model of commitment and dedication, instilling values of responsibility and professionalism, and making media a mission in service to the nation and humanity, wishing him continued health and ongoing contributions."

Engineer Louis Lahoud expressed gratitude to the diocesan patron and Minister Marqos for accepting the invitation, praising "his initiative to honor Antoine Zarzor, the dean of journalists in Zahle and Bekaa, whom he described as a media beacon over 84 years, contributing to the establishment of pioneering media outlets such as Radio Scope, Bekaa Press, Al-Rawabi, and Al-Asr."

Lahoud commended Minister Marqos’s efforts, noting that "since assuming the Ministry of Information, he has brought a qualitative shift in the ministry’s work and its institutions, enhanced the status of Lebanese media, contributed to the development of media legislation, and followed up on Télé Liban’s affairs, appointing Zahle native Alissar Nadaf as its head."

He concluded by expressing confidence in the minister and hoped that "greater attention would be given to media in Zahle and Bekaa to enhance its presence and coverage of activities and events in the region."

Minister Marqos affirmed that "solidarity is a priority for the Ministry of Information," stressing that "the values of love and tolerance in Christianity are technically manifested in media through what is called combating hate speech."

He indicated that "the ministry has held a series of direct and intensive meetings with various visual, audio, print, and electronic media outlets, resulting in understandings based on renewing commitment to professionalism in media discourse," emphasizing that "the ministry adopts a partnership approach with the media and does not assume a punitive role, bearing shared responsibility based on dialogue and awareness."

Marqos pointed out that "Lebanese legislation will address combating hate speech for the first time, and the ministry is working, in cooperation with media outlets and influencers, to limit inciting and emotional rhetoric, especially during times of crises and wars." He added that "confronting hate speech is not limited to security agencies or the judiciary but begins with the media through a proactive role that mitigates repercussions before reaching the judiciary or disturbing security."

He reviewed awareness campaigns implemented by the ministry in collaboration with UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNIFIL, and production companies, aimed at promoting a culture of responsible expression of opinion, respecting the dignity of others and their religious symbols, and confronting hate speech and media misinformation, presenting some related videos.

Marqos noted that "the ministry has established a specialized unit to monitor and verify misinformation from administrations, entities, and security agencies, amid the transformation that has made every smartphone user a media outlet capable of reaching large audiences," affirming that "the ultimate handling of this phenomenon remains the judiciary’s responsibility, as it is the authorized body to impose deterrent penalties."

The minister concluded by emphasizing that "social media must remain a space for responsible dialogue, not a platform for verbal or moral abuse."

Bishop Ibrahim, on behalf of Patriarch Joseph Absi, presented the Golden Jerusalem Cross, the highest patriarchal honor.

He said, "It pleases and honors me to convey the greetings and prayers of His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and to represent him at this blessed meeting hosted by the Diocese of Our Lady of Salvation – Zahle, under the title 'Combating Hate Speech and Media Misinformation,' an initiative that reflects a high national and ecclesiastical awareness and confirms that the church does not confine the Gospel proclamation within its walls but carries its message to the heart of society, where human dignity is preserved, truth defended, and peace built."

He added, "Throughout its long history, the Diocese of Our Lady of Salvation in Zahle has been a spiritual, national, and cultural beacon, contributing to human formation, preserving identity, and engaging with societal issues under the most difficult circumstances. It has not confined itself to pastoral duties but has always been a space for dialogue and meeting, a bridge between the church and the nation, between faith and culture, and between national responsibility and ethical commitment. This meeting is a natural extension of this pioneering role that made the diocese a home for every just cause and a platform for every word of truth. Therefore, I extend thanks to the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Engineer Louis Lahoud, who played a fundamental role in arranging and organizing this meeting, dedicating his expertise and relationships to serve this noble national cause, believing that cooperation between state institutions and the church is a cornerstone in serving humanity and society."

He continued, "I warmly welcome Minister of Information Dr. Paul Marqos, who accepted this kind invitation, affirming through his presence that media responsibility is not solely the ministry’s responsibility but that of the entire nation. When media is free and responsible, it becomes a partner in shaping truth, protecting public awareness, and establishing a culture of dialogue and respect for difference. While discussing the media’s role in revealing truth and justice for individuals, we must note a reality felt by the people of Zahle and Bekaa for many years: this region has often suffered from media neglect and marginalization, appearing mainly in news bulletins during crises and incidents, while its bright pages, national contributions, and human, cultural, and economic wealth are overlooked. Zahle and Bekaa are not margins in Lebanon’s history but lie at its core; from this land emerged intellectual, national, and creative figures, and it has raised the voice of moderation, coexistence, and openness. Therefore, we hope that the initiatives led by the Ministry of Information will establish true media justice that fairly represents all Lebanese regions and portrays Bekaa as it truly is: a land of giving, production, culture, and faith, not merely a passing headline in events. Media fairness is not a favor but a right for every region and a duty for media that seeks to be an honest mirror for the entire nation."

He noted, "Choosing the topic of combating hate speech and media misinformation comes at a time when words have the power to build or destroy nations, heal wounds or deepen them, unite people or sow discord. Therefore, confronting misinformation and hate speech is not only a media battle but an ethical, cultural, and national struggle requiring partnership among the state, media institutions, universities, churches, and all societal components. I also thank Minister Dr. Paul Marqos for kindly accepting to honor a prominent media figure from Zahle and the nation, the dean of journalists in Zahle, Mr. Antoine Zarzor, who enriched Lebanese media with a professional career spanning decades characterized by credibility, seriousness, and commitment to truth and service to humanity. Honoring him today is honoring an entire generation of journalists who believed that media is a mission of conscience before being a profession."

He added, "It is my honor to convey to the minister the appreciation of His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, who entrusted me to present to him, on behalf of himself and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, the highest patriarchal decoration, the 'Golden Jerusalem Cross.' This decoration is not merely an artistic piece or a protocol honor but carries deep spiritual and historical significance. The Jerusalem Cross, rooted in the city of Jerusalem, the holy city from which the message of salvation was sent to the world, symbolizes Jesus Christ and the church’s enduring call to bear witness to truth, love, and peace among peoples. The golden color represents glory not based on power or influence but on serving humanity, preserving dignity, and upholding truth and justice. Therefore, awarding this decoration is reserved for individuals who have provided distinguished services to the church, the nation, or humanity and embodied values aligned with the Gospel’s message in serving the common good."

He concluded, "Minister, on behalf of His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, it is my honor to invite you to accept the Golden Jerusalem Cross as a token of appreciation and gratitude and as an expression of confidence in the role you play in establishing responsible, free media committed to truth and serving national unity. We ask God to bless you, bless Lebanon, and make the word always a bridge to truth, a message of love, and a tool for building humanity and the nation. Thank you."

The meeting concluded with a prayer "for the media mission in Zahle and Bekaa and for peace in Lebanon," affirming the role of constructive media in serving society, enhancing national unity, and spreading values of love and reconciliation.