Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Monday that Lebanon’s Cabinet has decided to suspend the operating license of the “Lebanese Association for Arts, Resalat,” following a request from the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to dissolve the organization.
In a post on the platform X, Salam said the decision came after a detailed discussion in Cabinet regarding the Ministry’s findings and the legal implications of the case. The Interior Ministry had cited multiple violations by the association, including operating outside its approved mandate, obstructing public roads and misusing the authorization granted by the Governor of Beirut.
Salam explained that the Cabinet found the constitutional majority required to move forward with the dissolution request. However, the government opted for a more measured approach. “Although the violations were well-documented, the government sought to reconcile the need to maintain public order with the protection of the constitutional freedom to establish associations,” Salam wrote.
He emphasized that Lebanon remains committed to the principles of freedom of expression and association, as guaranteed by both domestic law and international conventions. The suspension, he noted, is a temporary administrative measure pending the outcome of ongoing investigations by both relevant government bodies and the Public Prosecution Office.
“The government’s dedication to safeguarding civil freedoms does not conflict with its duty to preserve public order and the public interest,” Salam added.
The Resalat association, known for organizing public and cultural events, had called for a gathering in the Raouche area on September 25, which drew attention from authorities due to concerns over public disruption.
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