LBCI team attacked during a report in Marjayoun

A team from LBCI was attacked Monday evening "by a group of young people" in the village of Deir Mimas (Marjayoun) and on the so-called Khardali road while covering the return of residents to their border villages in south Lebanon, where the Lebanese army has deployed. The information was provided by the media itself, which posted it on its website and social networks.

In a video shared by the channel, journalist Lara Hashem, who was on the scene, recounted the events.

"While we were covering the return of the inhabitants of Kfar Kila to their homes and they were not arriving, a group of young individuals attacked our team. They accused us of calling Hezbollah fighters killed in action 'killed' instead of referring to them as 'martyrs,' which I contested," the journalist said.

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The southern Lebanese shot by Israel while returning home

She also reported that her colleagues, Tony Kirillos and Robert Ghassan, were violently attacked by the same individuals. After leaving the scene and crossing the Khardali passage point, the team reported being followed by another vehicle on the highway. The occupants of this car allegedly "tracked the journalists and forced them to stop," demanding that they apologize, according to the channel. Kirillos reportedly suffered bruises requiring hospital treatment, LBCI adds.

This incident is part of a series of recent attacks targeting journalists and media teams covering the war between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as its repercussions in Lebanon. A few days ago, a team from MTV also claimed to have been harassed and prevented from filming and broadcasting live from the south of the country.

Strong condemnations

Following the events, caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makari contacted the chairman of the LBCI board Pierre Daher to express his "solidarity" with the team victimized by the assault, while reminding that "journalists are partners in every battle and they must be protected, not attacked."

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In southern Lebanon, the anger of the 'day after'

In a statement released Tuesday, the "Press Association" expressed its profound indignation at the recurring attacks on journalist teams covering events in south Lebanon. It notably denounced a "growing climate of intimidation" against them.

"These heinous acts cannot be tolerated. We reaffirm our total solidarity with all journalists, photographers and technicians targeted," emphasized the Press Club, calling on the competent authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The organization also asked security forces to reveal the identity of those responsible. "Impunity encourages them to continue their attacks. Yesterday it was MTV, today it's LBCI, and tomorrow, who knows which institution will be the next victim?"

The same sentiment was echoed by the Syndicate of Editors, which expressed its indignation at these acts of violence while reiterating its rejection of any aggression against journalists or technical teams in the exercise of their duties.