Kurdahi says Court of Publications should have dealt with Mortada's case. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)
BEIRUT — Information Minister George Kurdahi issued a statement Sunday commenting on Lebanon’s Military Court’s sentencing of Al-Akhbar reporter Radwan Mortada on charges of defaming the country’s army. Kurdahi’s statement contends that the matter should not have been dealt with by the Military Court; instead, the minister said, it should have been handled by the Court of Publications.
Here’s what we know:
• “Lebanon's Court of Publications is the only body examining publications cases, especially when it comes to the work of journalists and media professionals, in accordance with the constitution and regulations,” Kurdahi’s statement says.
• On Saturday, the state-run National News Agency reported that Lebanon’s Military Court sentenced Mortada in absentia to 13 months in prison for defaming the Lebanese army.
• A few hours after the announcement, Mortada defended his position and expressed his right to free expression in a YouTube video.
• The Military Court, which is tasked with prosecuting Lebanese and security services personnel who commit crimes while on duty, has also summoned Comedian Shaden Fakih on Wednesday on charges of “humiliating and harming the reputation of Internal Security Forces,” setting her trial date on June 24 next year.