Government goes back on censorship decision
Lebanon, Local, 1/5/1998

When a local television station last month announced a live interview with an exiled opposition leader, authorities moved in to order its ban, which in turn touched off protest demonstrations during which dozens of people were arrested.

This time, however, the authorities gave in, at least for the time being. A live interview with an outspoken government critic was allowed to pass on satellite Sunday after a two-day battle between the station airing the program and government officials.

The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation's interview with Najah Wakim, a member of parliament, was aired as scheduled, despite an earlier decision by Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to block the program.

As expected, Wakim accused Lebanese leaders of abusing authority and violating the constitution for their own personal gain.

Newspapers on Monday, however, speculated that the government would cancel licenses for satellite broadcasts of political programs at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, a step sure to provoke a public outcry. LBCI and Future television, which is owned by Hariri, both have licenses for political broadcasting.

Some reports said the Cabinet might revoke their licenses, allowing only state-run Tele Liban to broadcast political programs and news bulletins on satellite.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese lawyers stop attending trial sessions for three days   (12/17/1997)
  Prosecution orders release of 30 demonstrators detainees   (12/16/1997)
  Demonstrators arrested over Aoun interview   (12/15/1997)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search