Some media opted to take the case of Ella Tannous out of its humanitarian context and place in the area dedicated to scandals and slander.

Ella was turned into a weapon of war in a fight between the Lebanese Order of Physicians and said media as the two teams made deadly mistakes that could almost match the sin that was amputating this little girl’ limbs.

Between Syndicate Chief Dr. Antoine al-Boustany’s remarks and the criticism that ensued, Ella’s name was lost and the fight turned sour.

She was turned into a bargaining chip thrown back and forth in this open war.  The order defended the doctor and the media seemed to be settling some personal issues which also didn’t seem adequate when handling such a case.

Both parties made mistakes, they both managed to somewhat humiliate themselves in the way they addressed the crisis, which at the end involves a child who has lost all her limbs.

The entire medical community has suffered and its impeccable reputation in Lebanon and the Arab world has now been put into question by the chief’s remarks and giggles when a fellow protester shared his dismay with a word that can be described as discourteous to say the least.

The order pointed its finger at all media and didn’t seem to make a difference between those who took the matter to the heart and those who abused its coverage.

Ella’s case turned into a public matter but the little girl was sadly left out as she cleared the scene for the order and the media to battle it out.

There is no question that Ella has been abused whether by a doctor or a disease or simply fate. But those who call for justice for a girl who has lost her arms and legs and those who yell for the freedom of a doctor should probably bite their tongues as it seems like a fair exit that that could spare Ella additional pain.

Adapted from an article originally written in Arabic by Dany Haddad