Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos at a conference at the Lebanese University, May 30, 2025. (Credit: @DrPaulMorcos/X)
Restriction on freedom of expression? A warning against any communication with the Israeli army issued Saturday by Information Minister Paul Morcos sparked a wave of criticism on social media in Lebanon.The minister’s position came in response to a video posted by Lebanese actress Nadine al-Rassi, in which she directly addresses the Arabic-language spokesperson of the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, who later replied.The move proved divisive. What is the context behind the ministry’s directive? What does the law say? L’Orient-Le Jour examines the controversy.It all began Thursday evening, when the Israeli officer posted a message on X addressed to “the citizens of Lebanon,” issuing a series of evacuation notices ahead of several strikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs, more than six months after the cease-fire between Lebanon and...
Restriction on freedom of expression? A warning against any communication with the Israeli army issued Saturday by Information Minister Paul Morcos sparked a wave of criticism on social media in Lebanon.The minister’s position came in response to a video posted by Lebanese actress Nadine al-Rassi, in which she directly addresses the Arabic-language spokesperson of the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, who later replied.The move proved divisive. What is the context behind the ministry’s directive? What does the law say? L’Orient-Le Jour examines the controversy.It all began Thursday evening, when the Israeli officer posted a message on X addressed to “the citizens of Lebanon,” issuing a series of evacuation notices ahead of several strikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs, more than six months after the cease-fire between...