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STL finds Lebanese journalist guilty of contempt of court

(HAGUE) — The UN-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri found Lebanese journalist Karma Khayat, deputy head of news and political programs at Al-Jadeed TV, guilty of contempt of court.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon acquitted Khayat on a more serious charge of interfering with the course of justice by publishing witness material linked to the case. STL had ordered Khayat to remove videos from Al-Jadeed’s website and YouTube channel.

Khayat, who accuses the court of obstructing freedom of the press, will be sentenced on Sept. 28 for ignoring the court order. She could face a fine of 100,000 euros and seven years in prison.

Al-Jadeed was acquitted of corporate liability on both counts. The TV stations used blurred faces and disguised voices in the 2012 broadcasts.

“Al-Jadeed used professional standards,” Khayat said. “If the tribunal’s aim or goal was to put a stop to Al-Jadeed’s investigative reporting on the tribunal, I can assure (you) that we will not stop.”

Prosecutors said the reports undermined the tribunal by exposing witnesses to possible retaliation and discouraging them from offering evidence to the court.

Judge Nicola Lettieri said that there was no evidence that identifying the witnesses had undermined public confidence in the tribunal, but said Khayat should have taken the material down when ordered to do so.

“The individuals who testified stated that they had been afraid … after the airing of the episodes,” he said.

Defense attorney Karim Khan said Khayat would appeal against her conviction.

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Hundreds hospitalized as sandstorm engulfs Lebanon

(BEIRUT) — A dense and deadly sandstorm sweeping through the Middle East has engulfed Lebanon this week, prompting government closures and increased staffing at local hospitals after at least 750 sandstorm-related admissions were reported.

At least five people are reported dead since the storm started early Tuesday, according to media reports, which cite “suffocation” as the major cause.

Public Health Minister Wael Abu Faour instructed all hospitals to receive patients suffering from suffocation at the ministry’s expense, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

Mounin Hamzeh, secretary general of Lebanon’s governmental National Council for Scientific Research, said his office is closely tracking the storm.

“(Satellite pictures) clearly show that the sandstorm came from northern Iraq in the direction of central and northern Lebanon, north and east Syria, and southern Turkey,” Hamzeh said.

The unseasonable and unprecedented storm reduced visibility on local roads and caused several accidents, according to Lebanon’s Traffic Management Center.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam announced the closure of municipalities and government buildings on Wednesday due to visibility conditions. Education Minister Elias Bou Saab also ordered all schools to close on Wednesday.

“It usually happens twice or even three times a year in Lebanon but during spring, March and April, and the unusual thing today is the density of the storm,” Hamzeh said, according to an AFP report.

Protesters from the group You Stink were scheduled to rally in downtown Beirut on Wednesday, but organizers said the bad weather could prevent some people from taking to the streets.

“This movement doesn’t depend on the weather…or one day,” said Lucien Bourjeili, a organizer from You Stink, in comments published by the Associated Press.

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Obama, Saudi king stress “strong support” for Lebanon during meeting

(WASHINGTON, DC) — U.S. President Barack Obama and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud released a joint statement expressing “strong support” for Lebanon following a meeting on Sept. 4 at the White House.

President Obama invited the Saudi king to the U.S. to discuss the Iran nuclear deal and its wider effect on the Middle East.

“I’m happy to come to a friendly country to meet a friend,” Salman said. “We want to work together for world peace.”

The statement said the two leaders supported Lebanon’s “sovereignty, security and stability,” adding that military support for the Lebanese Armed Forces would help “resist extremist threats.”

The two leaders also called on Lebanon’s parliament to elect a new president — a role they believe is of “critical importance.”

The meeting comes five months after the first shipment of Saudi-funded French arms arrived in Lebanon. Many Lebanese view the deal as part of a competition for foreign influence, which they say could spark sectarian conflict.

The $3 billion plan paid for by Saudi Arabia aimed to help bolster the Lebanese army over the next four years with new transport vehicles, tanks, warships, and communication equipment.

In June, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of a possible sale of six A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts to Lebanon, at an estimated cost of $462 million.

According to Riad Kahwaji, CEO of the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, Lebanon would pay for the aircrafts using a $1-billion Saudi grant.

The DC-visit is the king’s first to the United States since ascending to the throne in January 2015, and comes after the United States agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in July.

“The relationship has grown deeper and stronger over the past seven decades in the political, economic, military, security, cultural and other spheres of mutual interest,” said a statement by the White House press office.

Speaking after the meeting between Obama and Salman, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Obama had assured the Saudi king that the agreement prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, includes inspections of military and suspected sites, and has a provision for the snapback of sanctions if Iran violates the agreement.

Under those conditions, al-Jubeir said, Saudi Arabia supported the deal.

“Now we have one less problem for the time being to deal with, with regards to Iran,” al-Jubeir said. “We can now focus more intensely on the nefarious activities that Iran is engaged in the region.”

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Aoun supporters stage huge protest calling for new electoral law

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Thousands of Free Patriotic Movement supporters staged a protest in downtown Beirut on Friday, to support Lebanese Christian leader Michel Aoun’s call for a presidential election by popular vote.

Aoun, who urged a heavy turnout at the protest, called for an end to presidential elections by parliamentary vote. He also invited FPM supporters to take to the streets “to call for fighting corruption.”

The sea of protesters waved FPM flags and held signs reading “At your service, General” and “We want new elections,” among others.

Lebanon has been without a president for more than a year because of a lack of quorum at parliamentary sessions. The 29th session will be held on September 30, but political analysts say the election of a consensus candidate is unlikely.

Aoun, a former army commander and presidential contender, is also protesting what he believes has been Christian “marginalization.” FPM supporters accuse Prime Minister Tammam Salam of usurping powers reserved for the president.

Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, who recently won the FPM’s presidency uncontested, spoke at the rally and echoed Aoun’s remarks.

“They thought that they could force us out of political life and squares, but we returned to this square and we will return it to all Lebanese,” Bassil said, referring to Beirut’s Martrys Square, where the protest took place.

“They want to deprive us of the dream and our dream is to have a state, not a farm.”

Bassil told a cheering crowd of supporters that citizens should rally for a president and parliament that represents all religions and regions.

“We want a ‘clean’ president who does not cover up for corruption,” Bassil said. “We the Lebanese should elect our president, not foreign forces. We won’t accept a ‘wooden president’ who does not understand people’s golden equation.”

Friday’s protest come amid a wave of anti-government rallies in Beirut, sparked by the current government’s inability to solve the trash crisis. The protesters are led by civil society groups who are seeking to unseat a political system dominated by the same political parties since the civil war.

Lucien Bourjeily, one of the founders of the ‘You Stink’ movement, which has led the recent protests, said it was “absurd” that Aoun was protesting against the government which he is part of.

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Graphic video shows Lebanese boy throwing kitten for $10

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — A Lebanese animal rights group has responded to a circulating video which showed a Lebanese boy throwing a live kitten to its death from a towering balcony.

The graphic video begins with an unidentified man offering the boy, who was identified as Mario, a $10 bet for throwing the kitten.

Animals Pride And Freedom, a Baabda-based organization, called for an immediate investigation into the “brutal act.”

“Is this how we raise the men of tomorrow?” the group asked in a Sept. 3 statement on Facebook. “What can we expect from the future of a child who was raised on brutality and cruelty?”

The statement asked anyone with information to contact the organization.

The video prompted hundreds of reactions on social media, mostly condemning animal cruelty and calling for more animal rights in Lebanon.

“No education, no love, no compassion,” wrote one Facebook user. “I have heard and witnessed enough horrible stories of atrocities towards animals.”

WARNING: Video may be graphic to some viewers:

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Lebanese stage historic protest in Downtown Beirut; vow to return

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Thousands of Lebanese protesters gathered in downtown Beirut Saturday for one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in the country’s history.

Protesters threatened to return to the streets if the government fails to respond to their demands in 72-hours.

The demands include the resignation of Minister of the Environment Mohamad Machnouk and a permanent solution to the garbage crisis.

But Machnouk already announced he would not resign during this “critical stage” in Lebanon’s history.

“There is joint responsibility,” he said in comments to An-Nahar newspaper. “The resignation of the Cabinet is out of the question for all political powers because it means a leap into a vacuum and chaos.”

The activist group ‘You Stink’ started the movement earlier this month in response to the widely reported trash crisis, which began when residents south of Beirut barricaded a landfill to complain of toxic fumes.

“We are still in the beginning,” said Rasha Halabi, ‘You Stink’ representative. Halabi added that protesters would widen their demands to include new parliamentary elections, if the government doesn’t act swiftly.

The protests on Saturday drew thousands of Lebanese citizens of all sects, chanting against government corruption and marching from the Interior Ministry to Martyrs’ Square downtown.

A row of ambulances and security forces remained in full force to prevent protesters from breaching barricades near parliament. But police didn’t intervene until the late evening, when a lingering crowd of protesters attempted to break through barbed wire.

Similar protests escalated into violence last weekend, prompting officials to arrest dozens and fire water cannons and tear gas at demonstrators.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam threatened to resign last week, warning rival parties that the state could face collapse.

“I warn that we are going are going towards collapse if matters continue,” Salam said in a televised address last week. “Frankly, I have not and will not be a partner in this collapse. Let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities.”

Lebanese diaspora communities around the world have also joined in solidarity with Beirut protesters. Protests were reported in Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Paris, Boston, and Detroit.

WATCH: Group protests in front of Lebanese Consulate in Detroit:

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Machnouk shares photography hobby on Facebook amid trash crisis

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon’s Environment Minister Mohamad Machnouk has been silent on his personal Facebook profile since August 12 after he faced backlash for sharing landscape photos amid the widely reported trash crisis.

Machnouk, 74, who previously worked in press and photography, formerly served in various media roles and as president of the Federation of Arab News Agencies.

But his favorite hobby isn’t making some people smile. Amid the widely reported trash crisis which has left Lebanon’s streets piling with uncollected garbage, Machnouk may have found peace in his own photos — but some Lebanese citizens haven’t.

“I think it should be better for you that you find solution for the waste crisis instead of putting these silly photos,” wrote one Facebook user.

“(sic) Do u think you’ll be able to take such nice pics in the near future with all the dirt piling up in so many outdoor areas of our beautiful country?” wrote another.

Machnouk, who actively used Facebook for photo-sharing, deleted his most recent post and has remained silent since.

Protesters are calling for his resignation for his failure to solve the trash crisis, which has been going on for more than a month.

But on Saturday, Machnouk reiterated that he would not resign during the country’s “critical stage.”

“There is joint responsibility,” he said in comments to An-Nahar newspaper. “The resignation of the Cabinet is out of the question for all political powers because it means a leap into a vacuum and chaos.”

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United Nations Special Coordinator reacts to Beirut protests

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag, noted recent citizens’ protests and rightful, public demands for basic services and the effective functioning of government.

Kaag underscored the importance of protecting the rights of citizens to peacefully express their wishes and demands.

Reports of violence and destruction of public property by some elements following yesterday’s demonstration are of “serious concern,” Kaag said.

The Special Coordinator expressed deep regret at the death of one demonstrator and the number of people injured and called on all concerned to exercise maximum restraint.

“Lebanon’s leaders must act in the national interest, especially at this critical time,” she said in remarks published by the Lebanese National News Agency.

“Lebanon cannot afford further stagnation or continued domestic political crisis, harming the economy, undermining the level of basic services and ultimately eroding the country’s stability and security.”

Kaag expressed “strong support” for Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s efforts to “promote consensus” but stressed the need for political accountability of all leaders.

She added that the world body backs “all efforts to ensure strong, effective state institutions to meet the needs of the Lebanese people.”

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LBC reporter attacked during coverage of Beirut protests

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — A LBC television reporter was attacked on Saturday while covering the ongoing Beirut protests triggered by a month-long trash crisis and a non-functioning cabinet or parliament.

Reporter Nada Andraos Aziz can be heard screaming as police and protesters surround her amid intense water cannons and tear gas.

According to her Facebook page, Aziz was shaken but not injured following the altercation. Hundreds have posted on her page thanking her for “honest reporting.”

The ongoing demonstrations are the largest in several years, according to several media reports.

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Lebanon PM threatens to resign as protesters rally in Beirut

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon’s prime minister threatened to resign on Sunday, warning rival parties in his unity cabinet that the state faced collapse because of paralysis that has come to a head with its failure to resolve a crisis over rubbish disposal.

Protesters called for a second day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s cabinet on Sunday after at least 35 people were injured on Saturday night when security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse several thousand demonstrators in central Beirut.

Salam’s government has suffered almost complete paralysis since it took office last year as wider crises in the Middle East, including the war in neighboring Syria, have exacerbated Lebanon’s own political and sectarian divisions.

“I warn that we are going are going towards collapse if matters continue,” Salam said in a televised address. “Frankly, I have not and will not be a partner in this collapse. Let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities.”

He described as excessive the force used against protesters on Saturday and said those responsible would be held to account.

On Sunday, several hundred protesters gathered near the government headquarters on Sunday chanting anti-government slogans. Activists called for a bigger protest later in the day.

Their campaign “You Stink” is a response to trash being left uncollected in and around Beirut last month when a refuse tip closed, with no agreement on an alternative. While collection has resumed, no solution has been found.

“POLITICAL GARBAGE”

The Salam government brings together rival Lebanese parties, including the Sunni-led Future Movement of Saad al-Hariri, Shi’ite Hezbollah, and competing Christian groups.

Should it collapse, Salam’s government would stay on in the caretaker capacity. However, his resignation would trigger a constitutional crisis. In Lebanon, it is the president who appoints the prime minister, but the presidency has been vacant since last year.

Salam said that if a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday was not productive on issues including a tender to decide on a new refuse collection company, “there would be no necessity for the government after it”.

“The trash is the straw that broke the camel’s back, but the story is much bigger than this straw. It is the story of the political garbage in the country and the political trash in the country,” Salam said.

He also warned the heavily indebted government would be unable to pay salaries next month. Unable to issue new debt, it risked being classified “among the failing states”.

Lebanon’s public debt currently stands at about 143 percent of gross domestic product, a government source said.

Reuters

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