Morcos in Zahle: Combating hate speech begins with responsible media
Our Lady of Deliverance Archdiocese in Zahle Hosts National and Media Gathering with Information Minister Paul Morcos on Combating Hate Speech and Misinformation.
The Our Lady of Deliverance Archdiocese in Zahle hosted a comprehensive national and media gathering with Information Minister Lawyer Paul Morcos under the title Combating Hate Speech and Media Misinformation.
The event was held at the invitation of the Bishop of Zahle of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archdiocese, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, and was attended by Environment Minister Tamara El Zein, as well as a number of MPs and prominent figures.
The gathering comes within the framework of supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Information to promote responsible media discourse and reinforce the values of truth and coexistence.
Minister Morcos stressed that solidarity is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Information, noting that the values of love and tolerance in Christianity are reflected, technically speaking, in the media through what is known as combating hate speech.
The minister pointed out that the Ministry has held a series of direct and intensive meetings with various visual, audio, print and electronic media outlets, resulting in agreements based on renewing the commitment to professionalism in media discourse.
Morcos further stressed that the Ministry adopts a partnership-based approach with the media and does not assume a punitive role, but rather embraces a shared responsibility founded on dialogue and awareness.
He noted that Lebanese legislation will address the issue of combating hate speech for the first time, adding that the Ministry is working, in cooperation with media outlets and influencers, to curb inflammatory and emotionally charged rhetoric, particularly during times of crisis and war.
He maintained that combating hate speech is not limited to security agencies or the judiciary, but begins with the media through a proactive role that helps prevent repercussions before matters reach the judiciary or threaten public security.
The minister also reviewed awareness campaigns implemented by the Ministry in cooperation with UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNIFIL and production companies. The campaigns aimed to promote a culture of responsible expression, respect for the dignity of others and their religious symbols, and combat hate speech and media misinformation. He also presented a number of related videos.
Morcos further noted that the Ministry has established a specialized unit to monitor and verify misleading news, in coordination with administrations, relevant bodies and security agencies, amid a transformation that has turned every smartphone user into a media outlet capable of reaching large numbers of people.
He stressed, however, that the final handling of this phenomenon remains the responsibility of the judiciary, as the authority empowered to impose deterrent penalties.
Minister Morcos concluded by stressing that social media platforms must remain a space for responsible dialogue, not a platform for insults or verbal and moral abuse.
