Security Forces Assault Journalists at Dar al-Fatwa

Several reporters and cameramen were wounded after a verbal spat occurred between a cameraman and security forces in Dar al-Fatwa.

According to the state-run National News Agency, journalists were allowed to enter the hall were a new Mufti was being elected but a quarrel took place with security forces.

LBCI reported that al-Arabi al-Jadeed cameraman was assaulted.

Several reporters who were attacked said that they will press charges to the General Prosecution.

The Internal Security Forces said an investigation was launched into the matter upon the orders of Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq and the agency's chief.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam expressed regret over the incident and tasked Mashnouq with following up the matter.

Dar al-Fatwa's press office rejected any attack on journalists and described the media as “Lebanon's nerve.”

LBCI said that a confusion happened on whether reporters and cameramen were allowed to enter the hall where newly-elected Mufti Abdul Latif Daryan was giving a speech.

Guards in civilian clothes were seen pushing journalists and assaulting them after a verbal spat.

Cameramen taking photographs of guards attacking their colleagues were also beaten up.

Journalists later held a sit-in near Dar al-Fatwa to condemn the attack against their colleague.