Silencing the Voice: Dima Sadek's Sentence Raises Alarms for Press Freedom in Lebanon

19-07-2023

Bilge Ece Zeyrek

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

On July 10, 2023, Lebanese TV anchor Dima Sadek was found guilty in a slander and defamation lawsuit filed by the Free Patriotic Movement (“the FPM”) leader Gebran Bassil and sentenced to one year in prison. [1] The accusations revolved around Sadek's tweets, in which she condemned the FPM supporters for allegedly assaulting two young men in Tripoli and described the actions as "racist" and "Nazi-like".  [2]

Sadek expressed her surprise at the decision in the videos she posted on social media, and announced that she intends to appeal the verdict and said, "Journalists in Lebanon may now be in jail on charges of slander and defamation." [3] She emphasized that this situation constitutes a very dangerous example for the freedom of press and the freedom of expression in the country. 

Reactions to Dima Sadek's prison sentence aroused great repercussions on social media. Politicians and press freedom organisations showed their support for Sadek, denouncing the imprisonment of journalists. Coalition for Women in Journalism (“the CFWIJ”) announced that they stand in solidarity with Sadek, and called on the court to rectify the unjust ruling and put an end to the imprisonment of journalists. [4] The CFWIJ has urged for media law reform in Lebanon to protect press freedom and ensure journalists can work without fear. 

Sadek's conviction has brought to the spotlight the importance of preserving press freedom, which plays a crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability in a democratic country. The case has ignited discussions about the need for an atmosphere that upholds democratic principles, safeguards journalists' rights, and reinforces the value of an unrestricted press in Lebanon's society.

Sources and further reading

[1] Al-Monitor, ‘Outrage in Lebanon as journalist Dima Sadek sentenced to prison’ (12 July 2023) <https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/07/outrage-lebanon-journalist-dima-sadek-sentenced-prison> accessed 19 July 2023.

[2] Katherine Dailey, ‘Lebanon: IPI condemns sentencing of anchor Dima Sadek to one-year prison term’ (17 July 2023) <https://ipi.media/lebanon-ipi-condemns-sentencing-of-anchor-dima-sadek-to-one-year-prison-term/> accessed 19 July 2023.

[3] Al-Monitor (n 1).

[4] The Coalition For Women In Journalism, ‘Lebanon: Dima Sadek Receives 1 Year Prison Sentence and Fine For Social Media Post’ (10 July 2023) <https://www.womeninjournalism.org/threats-all/lebanon-dima-sadek-receives-1-year-prison-sentence-and-fine-for-social-media-post> accessed 19 July 2023.