Lebanese information minister rebuffs ‘baseless accusations’ over press freedom

Lebanon’s information minister George Kordahi on Tuesday labeled himself a “great defender of press freedom” and denied accusations that he was trying to repress the media.

Kordahi, who was appointed to the new cabinet last month, has sparked controversy with a series of announcements seen as an attempt to restrict the media.

Days after taking the position, he called on outlets not to host analysts critical of the new government. Last week, the former gameshow host and supporter of Syria’s Bashar Assad, said the media cannot “assault the dignity of politicians.”

Speaking as he toured the state-run TV channel Tele Liban on Tuesday, Kordahi said: “We are among the great protectors of freedom in Lebanon and the great advocates for it.”

In response to questions over his recent comments, Kordahi said he wanted to reassure “all those who are afraid for freedom in Lebanon” that he is one of the greatest protectors of liberties.

He described accusations that he is moving to stifle press freedom as false and baseless, the National News Agency reported.

“I don’t want to fight the media but rather want to strengthen and support it … media is my family and I feel the suffering of every professional and will try to help all public and private media,” he said.

“Does the Lebanese constitution and laws permit anyone to suppress the media?” the minister asked.

He said he had been “unjustifiably targeted” by a campaign against him.

In terms of his plans for the media, Kordahi said he is assessing the current condition of the information ministry.

Arab News reported last week that during a meeting with members of the Lebanese Press Editor’s Syndicate, the minister said he would study and prepare a media code of conduct, “aimed at respecting the dignity, freedoms and merits of others, in addition to studying other laws found in parliamentary committees.”

“We are heading towards a new future, so let us establish systems and rules for the Lebanese media in the long term,” Kordahi said.

During his visit on Tuesday Kordahi said he had started his career at Tele Liban. The minister rose to fame hosting the Arab version of “Who wants to be Millionaire?”