Government bans Aoun interview
Lebanon, Politics, 12/13/1997

Information Minister Bassem Sabee has requested a local television station planning a live interview with ex-army commander General Michel Aoun to cancel the show.

Murr Television (MTV), announced it would comply with the government's decision but expressed hope on Friday that the decision would be reversed and the interview would be allowed to be broadcast Sunday as scheduled.

The decision by the information minister followed a meeting he held on Thursday with MTV chairman Gabriel Murr and news editor Kamil Mnassa.

Sabee said Aoun's rhetoric is "predictable," adding that such interviews would be "harmful to public order" and a "threat to national security." Sabee said competition between local television stations was unhealthy and proving to be detrimental to the country.

The government's decision to ban the interview has triggered protests by the media and politicians, who said the move signalled all-out censorship on political programs and shows.

Previous Stories:
  Government to clamp down on television immorality   (12/11/1997)
  International organization calls for release of journalist   (11/26/1997)
  The cabinet's decides: the army will act , and radio shut-down   (11/13/1997)

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