Miqati Says he Filed Libel Suit against Ayyoub for 'Crossing the Line'

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati said Thursday he resorted to the judiciary to take legal action against the editor of Ad-Diyar newspaper after his criticism went beyond limits.

“I overcame the criticism in the media but when things touched on constitutional institutions I resorted to the judiciary,” Miqati said during a meeting with Tripoli residents who converged on his house in a show of support.

“I am keen on freedoms but there are lines that should not be crossed,” he said.

Ad-Diyar's editor-in-chief, Charles Ayyoub, has been severely criticizing Miqati, accusing him of squandering public funds.

He has described him as a “coward” and the “biggest thief in Lebanon.”

Miqati's press office said on August 31 that he will file a libel lawsuit against Ayyoub.

Caretaker Information Minister Walid al-Daouq has also asked the Press Federation and the Journalists Union to take the necessary legal measures against the journalist.

In his remarks on Thursday, Miqati reiterated his call for the formation of “an all-embracing government that would take Lebanon to safety amid the difficult circumstances in the region.”

“It's not important whether the (national) dialogue is held before or after its formation,” he said.