Canada, Finland and UK welcome Lebanon’s new media law
8/13/2026 3:59:36 PM
The embassies of Canada, Finland and the United Kingdom, in their capacity as members of the Media Freedom Coalition, welcomed the adoption of Lebanon’s long-awaited new media law, describing it as an important step toward modernizing the country’s media framework after years of advocacy and legislative efforts by Lebanese stakeholders.
In a joint statement dated August 13, 2026, the three embassies said the law introduced significant reforms with the potential to strengthen media freedom, transparency and independent journalism, including provisions related to media ownership and financing transparency, media regulation and the digital media environment.
"At the same time, we note concerns raised by Lebanese and international freedom of expression advocates regarding certain provisions, including Article 104(b) and the retention of custodial penalties for journalists in some circumstances," the statement said.
The embassies welcomed Information Minister Paul Morcos’ commitment to address those concerns and encouraged their timely consideration.
They stressed that, in line with international human rights standards, restrictions on freedom of expression should be clearly defined, necessary and proportionate, and that journalists should be able to carry out legitimate journalistic work without fear of imprisonment.
"Effective implementation will now be critical," the statement said, urging relevant authorities to ensure that the law is interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with its stated commitment to freedom of expression and media freedom.
The embassies said meaningful reform would depend on implementation that strengthens protections for journalists and upholds media freedom in practice, while supporting an open, pluralistic and independent media landscape.
They also commended Lebanese civil society organizations, media professionals, legal experts and public officials who contributed to the law, and said they looked forward to continued engagement on its implementation and further alignment with international standards.
In a joint statement dated August 13, 2026, the three embassies said the law introduced significant reforms with the potential to strengthen media freedom, transparency and independent journalism, including provisions related to media ownership and financing transparency, media regulation and the digital media environment.
"At the same time, we note concerns raised by Lebanese and international freedom of expression advocates regarding certain provisions, including Article 104(b) and the retention of custodial penalties for journalists in some circumstances," the statement said.
The embassies welcomed Information Minister Paul Morcos’ commitment to address those concerns and encouraged their timely consideration.
They stressed that, in line with international human rights standards, restrictions on freedom of expression should be clearly defined, necessary and proportionate, and that journalists should be able to carry out legitimate journalistic work without fear of imprisonment.
"Effective implementation will now be critical," the statement said, urging relevant authorities to ensure that the law is interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with its stated commitment to freedom of expression and media freedom.
The embassies said meaningful reform would depend on implementation that strengthens protections for journalists and upholds media freedom in practice, while supporting an open, pluralistic and independent media landscape.
They also commended Lebanese civil society organizations, media professionals, legal experts and public officials who contributed to the law, and said they looked forward to continued engagement on its implementation and further alignment with international standards.