There are still no “internet” laws in Lebanon but that doesn’t mean Lebanon’s internet is free and uncensored. On the contrary, internet censorship is on the rise due to a lack of regulation and accountability practices and a lot of online activists or regular internet users are being wrongfully arrested and interrogated.
For that purpose, MARCH Lebanon, a civil movement actively fighting against censorship in all its forms, has launched a booklet where you can find all your “online” rights in an attempt to counter “the unregulated, illegal and unfair practices of censorship against the internet in Lebanon”.
The booklet first explains the “The Freedom of Expression in the Lebanese Constitution”, “The limits of Freedom of Expression according to the Lebanese Laws” and the difference between “slander” and “libel”, before moving on to the “IT Crimes” and the actions taken by the Cybercrimes and the protection of the intellectual Property Rights Bureau.
Here are 3 important things that you need to know:
1- You are held accountable for each and every word you publish and write on social media or on the Internet in general, should said word constitute a slander or libel according to the Lebanese Law.
2- If you receive a call from the Cybercrimes Bureau, ask for:
– The name and rank of the officer.
– A legal notice from the Bureau, not an invitation over the phone.
– Immediately contact the MARCH hotline 03 09 08 70 to inform them (For free).
– If you are a journalist and have a journalist card, you are not obligated to go.
3- Your Rights in interrogation and arrest:
– Contacting Family members and Friends
– Meeting a Lawyer
– Assistance by interpreter for non-Arabic speaker
– Right to remain silent
– Defend yourself without the use of force
– Medical examination
– Be informed of your rights
– Detention only by order of prosecutor for a duration of 48 hour extended once (total of 74 hour)
I recommend you read the [full booklet] and be aware of all your rights if you are ever accused of slander or libel, or asked to visit the Cybercrimes Bureau.