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Lebanon
Minister of Information Paul Marqos affirmed that "the function of social media was created for communication among people, and not to offend beliefs, symbols, and religious references, and to degrade dignities and personal defamation."
Minister of Information Paul Marqos affirmed that "the function of social media was created for communication among people, and not to offend beliefs, symbols, and religious references, and to degrade dignities and personal defamation."
He said in a statement: "I have followed the hate speech across social media platforms. We in the Ministry of Information are working to limit it through awareness campaigns, meetings, and communications for resolution, but we respect the role of prosecution which belongs to the judiciary and not to the Ministry of Information."
He added: "I encourage the expression of political opinion to the furthest extent, but with respect for the rights, freedoms, and dignities of others."
He concluded: "Through our keenness to uphold freedom of opinion and expression at the media and political levels, we call upon all media outlets, in their various forms, as well as social media users, to adopt a rational, balanced, and non-provocative discourse, especially since freedom is a responsibility, and social stability and freedom are intertwined. As for what happens in transgression of this framework, it is not freedom in any way and falls under the criminal prosecution of the judiciary, which we respect, and not the Ministry of Information."
