Lebanon: Dima Sadek Receives 1 Year Prison Sentence and Fine For Social Media Post
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the unprecedented decision to jail the journalist
Location: Lebanon, Beirut
Date: July 10, 2023
Photo Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Acclaimed Lebanese journalist jailed for a year and slapped with a hefty fine after court rules against her in a criminal libel case brought by the Free Patriotic Movement. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply alarmed by the disproportionate punishment, which raises serious concerns for freedom of the press and expression in Lebanon. We support Sadek’s decision to appeal the verdict and urge the court to rule in her favor.
On July 10, 2023, Lebanese journalist Dima Sadek was sentenced to one year in prison following a defamation and slander lawsuit filed against her by Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM).
Sadek took to Twitter to announce the verdict, expressing her disbelief. "Yes, in Lebanon, journalists now can be imprisoned on charges of libel and defamation," she said in a video. She warned the verdict sets a "very very dangerous precedent" for freedom of the press and expression in the country.
Politicians and press freedom organizations have expressed solidarity with Sadek and condemned the prison sentence. Information Minister Ziad Makari called for adopting a modern media law abolishing journalists' prison sentences. The Lebanese Forces denounced the decision, stating that it stripped Sadek of her civil rights.
The journalist told the independent news outlet Megaphone she would file to appeal the verdict. As her sentence is not suspended, the judiciary can imprison her at any time if she fails to appeal.
The charges against Sadek
The lawsuit against Sadek dates back to February 2020, when she was accused of inciting sectarian strife through a social media post.
The complaint was triggered by Sadek sharing a video that depicted the assault of two young men from Tripoli by individuals claiming to be affiliated with the FPM. In her tweet, Sadek condemned the party's actions and drew parallels between their behavior and that of the Nazis.
Gebran Bassil, the leader of the FPM, denounced Sadek for spreading false news and claimed that the video was falsely attributed to the party. He argued that Sadek's comment could incite "hatred and racism, which could give rise to a sectarian conflict."
After her sentencing, Sadek highlighted the irony of her imprisonment while those who had assaulted the young men from Tripoli - the incident she had condemned - faced no consequences.
The court also ordered Sadek to pay the FPM LL110 million ($7,316) in compensation.
Lawsuit filed in Criminal Court
The Publications Court - which typically handles libel cases involving journalists in Lebanon - explicitly prohibits the imprisonment of press members. However, the FPM took a different route by pursuing legal action against Sadek through the Criminal Court, arguing that her content, disseminated via social media, falls outside the scope of her journalistic responsibilities.
Following the verdict, Maharat — a local press freedom organization — emphasized the urgent need for media law reform to strengthen guarantees for press freedom and expression in line with international standards.
Renowned Lebanese journalist Dima Sadek has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. CFWIJ has documented several violations against the journalist since 2020. She was previously embroiled in another defamation lawsuit when government politicians sued her for criticizing their handling of the Beirut Port explosion. In 2022, the journalist endured death threats and online harassment from supporters of Hezbollah.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands with Sadek as she pursues her appeal of the judgment and urges the court to rectify this unjust ruling and cease imprisoning journalists. The verdict in Dima Sadek’s case represents a grave injustice. Prosecuting the journalist in criminal court for defamation is a cynical move by the Free Patriotic Movement to seek maximum punishment. The ruling highlights the urgent need for media law reform in Lebanon. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of imprisonment or persecution.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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