The attack on journalist and general manager of the el-Siyasa website, Rami Naim, on Tuesday continues to spark outrage among Lebanon’s political class.
On Wednesday, the media department of the Lebanese Forces Party strongly condemned the organized attack on Naim, stating, “We condemn the practices of those who believe they can intimidate the Lebanese through the use of such thuggish methods, and we demand that the concerned authorities arrest the assailants and bring them to justice.”
Others swiftly condemned the attack on ‘X.’ Lebanese Forces MP Raji al-Saad wrote, “Freedoms in Lebanon are enshrined in the constitution, and the incident threatens to escalate into repressive methods we oppose.” The MP urged security and judicial authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the attackers.
Kataeb MP Elias Hankash remarked, “Rami Naim, your courage is stronger than all the cowards who attacked you, and you and all free media professionals will continue to be stronger.”
The Order of the Press strongly denounced the use of violence against a journalist, deeming it “unacceptable.” In a press release, it called on the victim to file a complaint with the appropriate judicial authorities, deploring the regular and unjustifiable attacks and intimidation against journalists and press professionals across various media.
Rami Naim was severely beaten in Verdun by 15 young men on Tuesday, according to his statement. The perpetrators are reported to be pro-Hezbollah youths who targeted Naim for his outspoken stance against Hezbollah.
“I heard one of them say, ‘It’s over; they don’t want us to kill him,’” declared Naim in an interview with MTV Lebanon. The journalist called on the security services to quickly identify the attackers.
Following the attack, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on Caretaker Justice Minister Henry Khoury to instruct the Public Prosecution to take the necessary legal measures against the assailants.
The incident prompted Naim to announce the closure of his website. In a statement, Naim apologized to Awni Kaaki, head of the Press Syndicate, and Joseph Kassifi, editor of the Lebanese Press Syndicate, along with their boards, for offending them in his publications, recognizing the syndicates as crucial to media practice in Lebanon. He acknowledged Lebanon’s dedication to freedom, which is essential for journalists and media professionals.
