India, Sept. 10 -- Lebanon's long-awaited new Media Law introduces stronger protections for journalists and online expression, but Amnesty International says several provisions could still enable prosecution and intimidation over speech.
New safeguards for journalists
The Lebanese Parliament adopted the Media Law on August 11, replacing legislation dating to 1962 and 1994. It was published in the official gazette on September 3.
The law prohibits pre-trial detention in media-related cases and removes military court jurisdiction over expression and media cases covered by the legislation. It also strengthens protections for confidential sources and editorial independence.
Digital media outlets can operate through a notification-based regi...