Lebanese journalist Walid Abboud. (Photo taken from his Facebook page)
In a video posted on social media, journalist Walid Abboud responded Friday to the controversy engendered by his remarks on his political show broadcast on Monday, June 16, on Hala Arabia TV.
“If my show is suspended, it means we have a public liberties problem in Lebanon,” he said.
He blamed “the government and Hezbollah” in this matter.
“There was a sort of confusion, and my remarks were truncated, but the truth has become clear,” he said, emphasizing that “the introduction was objective.” He finally stressed that “the Minister of Information is primarily concerned with defending freedom.”
Abboud made waves this week on social media due to an introduction he delivered during his show “Ya Abyad ya Aswad” (Black or White), broadcast Monday, June 16, in the evening on Hala Arabia TV, repeatedly containing the expression “leave us alone.” This expression was perceived as a hostile stance by the journalist against Hezbollah and its allies. This controversy divided internet users, with some praising the journalist, while others accused him of collaborating with Israel and threatened him.
In his video, Abboud blamed the supporters of the moumanaa (Axis of Resistance), “since this controversy was launched by them,” according to him.
“Perhaps this public has become more susceptible to criticism,” he added.
What the journalist was referring to was the latest war between Hezbollah and Israel that significantly weakened the party and seriously put the question of its weapons on the table. The “susceptibility” of this public has undoubtedly been exacerbated since June 13 due to the attack launched by Israel against Iran, of which Hezbollah is an unfailing ally, and which continues to this day.
In his introduction, Abboud expressed frustration over the continuous arms and wars. In his video, he stated, however, “not having mentioned the word Hezbollah” in the broadcast that sparked the controversy.
