-
Online Defamation Campaign Leads to Security Measures Against Lebanese-Syrian Journalist
-
The transformation of online defamation campaigns into official security measures indicates a dangerous decline in guarantees protecting journalists and media freedoms
The Alternative Press Syndicate Assembly condemned the continuing repressive measures against Lebanese-Syrian journalist Alia Mansour, despite proving her innocence of the charges against her.
The assembly highlighted in a statement its dissatisfaction with the State Security apparatus's continued detention of journalist Mansour's passport, mobile phone, and personal computer, following an incitement campaign targeting her on social media platforms.
The statement explained that the confiscation came after Mansour was taken from her home for investigation following a defamation campaign and media fabrication claiming her involvement with Israel, before being released for not committing any violation.
The syndicate assembly expressed surprise at security agencies' treatment of journalist Mansour as a suspect, despite being a victim of a harmful defamation campaign, pointing to the continuation of arbitrary measures against her through the confiscation of her personal belongings.
The assembly announced its solidarity with colleague Mansour, calling for the necessity of adhering to law and justice, and refusing to allow online campaigns to determine the fate of journalists and citizens instead of proper judicial procedures.
The statement emphasized the danger of being drawn into online incitement campaigns, demanding an end to unjustified measures against journalists, and ensuring the protection of their professional freedoms and legal rights.
Syrian and Lebanese activists are demanding the return of journalist Mansour's detained belongings, emphasizing the importance of protecting press freedoms and not restricting media work based on unproven accusations.
These activists also call for the necessity of establishing legal controls to protect journalists from defamation and incitement campaigns, and ensure that online accusations do not transform into arbitrary security measures.
Levant-Follow up
