By Nohad Topalian | 2024-12-11

BEIRUT -- Journalists in Lebanon face threats and violence from individuals and groups aligned with Hizbullah, with some being labeled as traitors for their critical reporting, media workers and press freedom advocates say.

Journalist Nabil al-Mamlouk, who writes for An-Nahar newspaper and delivers news via the Akhbar Sour (Tyre News) social media platform, told Al-Fassel he faced repeated threats and attacks in Tyre over his reporting.

In one incident, he said, six armed men confronted him at his father's pharmacy after he criticized new Hizbullah chief Naim Qassem.

In another, 30 men attacked him after he warned the public against gathering near a drone crash site.

"They beat me, insulted me, attempted to shoot me and confiscated my phone," he said.

Al-Mamlouk, who eventually left Tyre, said he believes his opposition to the so-called "axis of resistance" made him a target. Even after he left the coastal city, he added, the campaign against him has continued.

Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath correspondent Mohammad al-Baba reported two attacks within days.

"Hizbullah elements" threatened him and attempted to destroy his camera as he did his work in Joun, while an alleged supporter of the Amal Movement -- a close Hizbullah ally -- assaulted him in Sidon.

"It's barbarism and an attempt to silence us, because they know we represent [television] channels that don't support them," al-Baba said.

In another incident, journalist Dawoud Rammal was attacked in his hometown of Douair.

Speaking to Janoubia on November 30, Rammal recounted that while he was at his mother's gravesite, "Hizbullah gang members" ambushed him and beat him until he lost consciousness.

"When I regained consciousness, I returned to my family's home, but they followed me, attacking my car as neighbors gathered to help. I was eventually able to take my wife and son and leave," Rammal said.

Other targeted journalists include Layal Alekhtiar, Dima Sadek, Nadim Koteich and Taher Baraka.

Escalating intimidation

Lebanese MP Paula Yacoubian condemned the "criminal and brutal" attacks.

"The state must enforce laws protecting journalists," she told Al-Fassel, urging Hizbullah and its supporters to "stop threatening the media and attempting to silence free media."

Journalists for Freedom director Asaad Bechara warned of escalating intimidation through "pro-Hizbullah media outlets."

"This is part of an organized effort to suppress free expression," he said during an August news conference, according to "This Is Beirut," after being threatened in downtown Beirut.

Journalist Tony Boulos described a "systematic effort" to intimidate media workers, while veteran journalist Youssef Diab faced threats after commenting on Hizbullah's airport control.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticized "intimidation campaigns" by "Hizbullah loyalists" on social media.

Lebanon's press freedom ranking dropped from 119th in 2023 to 140th in 2024, according to RSF.