Morcos stresses responsible use of free speech during meeting with Aoun
Information Minister Paul Morcos said he briefed President Joseph Aoun on the current media discourse circulating in Lebanon, particularly content published on social media, amid the country’s sensitive circumstances.
Speaking after meeting Aoun at Baabda Palace, Morcos stressed that freedom of opinion, expression and media remains a fundamental and sacred right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and cannot be infringed upon.
At the same time, Morcos underscored the need to safeguard civil peace, especially during wartime, noting that exercising this freedom requires responsibility and national awareness.
Morcos called on all parties to avoid hate speech, violence, incitement and sectarian tension, warning that words can have serious consequences for internal stability.
The Minister added that the Cabinet recently discussed the issue and confirmed that the public prosecution, under the direction of the justice minister, will pursue crimes that exceed the limits of freedom of expression.
Moreover, Morcos emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear balance between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring it is exercised responsibly during the current critical phase facing Lebanon.
