Lebanese-Syrian journalist Alia Mansour was detained in a State Security raid over fabricated charges, raising concerns about press freedoms, selective advocacy, and the targeting of political critics in Lebanon
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Lebanese-Syrian journalist and activist Alia Mansour, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of NOW Lebanon, was detained by State Security forces in a raid at her home. The arrest was based on a subpoena from Judge Claude Ghanem, Deputy Government Commissioner to the Military Court, following an online smear campaign that falsely accused Mansour of engaging with Israeli social media accounts.
The fabricated post circulated widely, sparking a wave of incitement against Mansour, including death threats. Less than twenty-four hours after the campaign began, security forces raided her house early in the morning, without prior notification or questioning, raising concerns about the excessive use of force and the targeting of journalists.
Despite the authorities quickly realizing the post was fake, the incident has further intensified concerns about freedom of expression in Lebanon. The raid on Mansour’s home, in the context of the fabricated accusations, underscores a broader trend in which activists and journalists are targeted under accusations of espionage or other fabricated charges. This comes at a time when Lebanon is already grappling with multiple crises, including ongoing Israeli aggression and internal political turmoil.
Mansour’s case is not isolated. It reflects a broader issue in Lebanon, where those who prefer to express their political opinions freely often find themselves falsely accused of collaborating with Israel or facing other forms of repression. Such accusations have become a tool to silence dissent, with Mansour’s case following a pattern of similar incidents involving public figures and activists.
Before her, cases like those of Ziad Itani – well-known actor exonerated of spying for Israel, arrested in November 2017 and exposed to forced disappearance and torture at the hands of State Security -, are not only the proof of the immense gap between the freedoms guaranteed by the Lebanon of the past and the muzzling of opponents of Iranian influence in the country, unrecognizable, of today: but also of the connivance of the State Security, through the power of its military tribunal, in the ongoing violation of its citizens’ human rights.
This crackdown on free speech is occurring alongside Lebanon’s worsening security situation. As the country faces Israeli aggression, genuine security threats, including breaches within Hezbollah’s ranks, are seemingly overlooked, while the state’s focus turns toward silencing its critics.
Despite the severity of her situation, Mansour received limited support from fellow activists, journalists, and organizations typically committed to defending press freedoms. This lack of solidarity raises troubling questions about selective advocacy in Lebanon’s fractured political landscape. While Mansour has long been a vocal political critic, it appears that political divisions influenced the muted response from groups that otherwise champion free expression. This silence forces a broader reflection on who we choose to support in such extreme cases. Even when political views differ, the suppression of a journalist through fabricated charges poses a serious threat to the freedoms of all, highlighting the importance of defending the rights of individuals across the political spectrum.
Mansour’s case highlights how alarmingly easy it is to frame someone in today’s digital age, especially in politically volatile environments like Lebanon. A single fabricated post can quickly spiral into a campaign of defamation, resulting in false accusations, arrests, and potentially dangerous consequences. As journalists, the line between truth and manipulation can be blurred in an instant, making anyone a target. The incident demonstrates how vulnerable members of the press are to being framed, regardless of their actual involvement in wrongdoing. This creates a chilling effect, where the mere threat of defamation or arrest can silence journalists, especially those critical of powerful groups, and undermines the very essence of free and independent journalism.
The case has also raised broader concerns about the state of freedoms in Lebanon, where once vibrant spaces for open expression are being increasingly stifled. As Mansour’s ordeal shows, journalists and activists remain vulnerable to defamation, arrest, and harassment. With the country’s future at stake, this incident serves as a reminder of the need to protect the fundamental rights of free speech and dissent.
