The Jama’a statement added that “Thursday’s talk show also included intentional distortion of the history and the present of the city of Tripoli which has been known for its historic commitment to the causes of the nation and the country.”
“This constitutes a blatant breach of public freedom in Lebanon,” the statement said.
The Islamic Jama’a condemned the “irresponsible act and the abuse of public freedom.”
“We call on the judiciary, the Ministry of Information, the National Media Council, the press and editors’ syndicates to act responsibly with regards to this dangerous issue which perils the security and stability of the Lebanese society.”
For its part, the National Audio-Visual Media Council decried last Thursday’s Kalam el-Nas show saying it incited sedition.
In a statement, the Council said it will follow up the issue and make all necessary contacts to counter the repercussions of the LBC program.
Political tension in Lebanon reached its peak last week over the false witnesses in martyr Rafiq Hariri’s murder case. The visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmdadinejad on Wednesday contributed in easing down the tension. The LBC TV show however played on chord of sectarianism and acquiring weapons “so that people would defend themselves.” The show also included interviews with people who had lost their loved ones in incidents like the May 7, 2008 and focused on the fear element between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in Beirut and the northern city of Tripoli.
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