In an age where the free exchange of ideas and cultural expressions are celebrated as a cornerstone of democratic societies, recent developments in Lebanon signal a troubling departure from these once cherished ideals. This report delves into a series of incidents that have sparked discussions surrounding freedom of expression, censorship, and the protection of journalists and human rights advocates within the Lebanese context. The events described in this report not only underscore the complexities of these issues but also emphasize their critical significance in a nation navigating turbulent political and societal waters.

Lebanon, once renowned for its vibrant media landscape and openness to diverse viewpoints, now grapples with a tightening grip on freedom of expression. Amidst sectarian tensions and an increasingly oppressive climate for minorities and marginalized groups, our examination of five distinct cases reveals the multifaceted challenges posed by censorship and restrictions on free speech.

This report - published with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands - provides a comprehensive examination of five key case studies, shedding light on their implications for freedom of expression, media, arts, and human rights in Lebanon. It serves as a testament to the evolving challenges faced by advocates of these fundamental rights in a rapidly changing landscape. The report underscores the critical importance of remaining vigilant in defending these freedoms in Lebanon’s increasingly constrained cultural and media landscape and beyond.

While this analysis will only recall noteworthy cases and segments as needed, each of the five cases presented below has been separately discussed in its own report:

1. The first case centers on the controversial bans of two films, “Lightyear” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” supposedly due to scenes depicting LGBTQ+ representation and perceived affronts to religious sensibilities.
2. The second case revolves around the satirical performance by Al-Jadeed TV host Dalia Ahmad and actress Joanna Karaki, which resulted in an uproar and violent attacks on the station.
3. The third case pertains to the summoning of Megaphone director Jean Kassir by State Security following the publication of a critical piece.
4. The fourth case delves into the Beirut Bar Council’s summons of Nizar Saghieh, a human rights defender and lawyer, in response to his critique of a modification to the Beirut Bar Association’s Code of Ethics.
5. The fifth case focuses on journalist Dima Sadek, who faced legal action and a prison sentence in response to a social media statement.

The Samir Kassir Foundation (SKF) conducted a detailed analysis of social media reactions in Lebanon regarding the five case studies presented above. The primary goal was to evaluate the prevailing sentiments within the Lebanese public concerning key freedom of expression debates. To ensure the utmost accuracy and efficiency in this monitoring process, SKF collaborated with a data service provider, Reputell, which possesses access to extensive datasets and the necessary software for sorting and identifying relevant content. This approach enhances SKF’s ability to ascertain whether the discussions related to the case studies were reflected in the online sphere and, if so, in what manner. It is important to note that this study does not aim to provide a comprehensive view of the digital landscape but rather seeks to highlight prominent actors, platforms used, and discernible patterns that mirror real-life occurrences.

Our examination of online discourse in Lebanon presents a complex landscape of opinions and attitudes towards freedom of expression. One striking observation is the evident gender disparity in online expression, with men appearing more eager and comfortable to share their views. This discrepancy begs important questions about privilege and the impact of toxic masculinity within digital spaces.

However, a contrasting trend emerges when we analyze the overall sentiment expressed online. Across nearly every report and case, we consistently observe a substantially higher ratio of Positive-to-Negative online statements. It also is crucial to acknowledge that the surge in anti-freedom of expression rhetoric primarily stems from two reports, which account for the majority of Negative accounts. These findings suggest a correlation between such rhetoric and the involvement of pro-Hezbollah and pro-FPM accounts in online discussions.

In our quest to assess Lebanon’s digital perception of freedom of expression, the case studies we have examined provide valuable insights into the online activities and reactions of specific political parties regarding subjects they hold dear. This study, when viewed alongside the individual reports that preceded it, uncovers a link between harmful attitudes towards freedom of expression and the scale and intensity of online responses to topics considered sensitive.

While the data may at times paint a bleak picture, it is essential to resist the temptation to succumb to despair. The numbers reveal a consistent and steadily growing wave of resistance against forces that seek to undermine freedom of expression. However, the journey towards a more open and democratic society is undoubtedly fraught with challenges. This wave must evolve into a more robust and resilient community of advocates who are determined to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and human rights in the digital realm and beyond.