Maharat Foundation Expresses Fears that Electronic Media Law Would Harm Freedoms

A Lebanese non-governmental organization promoting freedom of expression expressed fears on Wednesday that a draft-law organizing electronic media would harm freedoms if approved by the Government.

Maharat Foundation said in a press release that the draft-law proposed by Information Minister Walid al-Daouq was swiftly put on the agenda of the Cabinet that will convene on Wednesday without consulting experts.

It also slammed the wording used in it, saying the terminologies would cause confusion and put restrictions on the electronic media freedoms.

As for article nine, it calls for the implementation of the bill by decrees adopted by the Cabinet based on the recommendation of the Information Minister, Maharat said.

“No party has the authority to limit public freedoms except through a constitutional text issued by Parliament,” it stressed.

Furthermore, “the implementation of any law linked to public freedoms shouldn’t be left for the Government particularly given the ambiguity surrounding the articles of the bill,” the organization said.

Maharat expressed fear that the objective behind the proposal of the draft-law is to put electronic media under the control of the Government more than its alleged aim of organizing the sector for the public’s good.