Clarification regarding a report about the army’s alleged assault on several journalists

The Army Command – Directorate of Orientation issued the following statement:

Some media outlets have circulated a report alleging that the army assaulted some journalists and prevented them from carrying out their duties while covering popular protests in the city of Beirut.

The Army Command clarifies that operational units are carrying out their duty to maintain security during the protests in a manner that guarantees freedom of expression, and that the incident resulted from jostling between demonstrators and army personnel. The Command also reaffirms its respect for all media outlets, journalists, and correspondents, and its appreciation for their role.

It further calls on citizens and journalists not to obstruct the army’s operations and to comply with its personnel's instructions to facilitate their mission. The Command also stresses the need to maintain the peaceful nature of the protests amid the exceptional circumstances Lebanon is currently facing.