(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 24 July 1998, the Beirut military tribunal has sentenced Pierre Attalah, a journalist with “An-Nahar”, to three years in prison. He is accused of having “visited without permission an enemy country and having shown contempt for judicial and security authorities.” He must also pay a […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 24 July 1998,
the Beirut military tribunal has sentenced Pierre Attalah, a journalist with
“An-Nahar”, to three years in prison. He is accused of having “visited
without permission an enemy country and having shown contempt for judicial
and security authorities.” He must also pay a fine of 500,000 Lebanese
pounds (approximately US$330.00, or 2,000 French francs).
Pierre Attalah was questioned in December 1996 for having conducted
interviews with Etienne Saqr, former head of the “Cedar Guards”, who was
sentenced to death for “secret dealings with the Israeli enemy.” Six months
later, he was forced to leave Lebanon, after having been beaten and
threatened with death. Having taken refuge in France, Attalah held a press
conference, telling his story and explaining his reasons for leaving the
country.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
against Attalah
nullify his sentence and reminding them that in no case should press matters
be judged by a military tribunal
Appeals To
Mr. Rafic Hariri
Prime Minister
Republic of Lebanon
Beirut – Liban
Fax: +961 1 200 469/ 354 318/ 862 001
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
