Freedoms of speech and press are provided by law and the government generally respects these rights in practice (HRR 2015). Despite that the media environment in Lebanon is considered among the freest in the region, journalists witnessed several restrictions during 2014 as the conflict in neighboring Syria spilled into Lebanon and compounded with domestic issues (FotP 2015). Journalists are victim of recurrent harassment, physical attacks, and arrests (FotP 2015). In a defamation case in February 2014, the newspaper Al-Akhbar, as well as a journalist working at the newspaper, were each fined USD 7,910 with interest of USD 9,900 for reporting on judicial corruption (FotP 2015). Another journalist from the same outlet also faced defamation charges for publishing an article investigating corruption and embezzlement in the Ministry of Finance (FotP 2015). Authorities cracked down on internet freedom and restricted communications over social media (HRR 2015). There are reports that political groups harassed and intimidated individuals and activists for their online postings (HRR 2015). The public does not enjoy access to government information under Lebanese laws (FotP 2015). The media environment is described as ‘partly free’ (FotP 2015).
Lebanon has a long tradition of civil society organizations and freedoms of assembly and association are protected under the law, however, these rights have been restricted in practice (BTI 2016). The Lebanese Transparency Association set up the Lebanese Advocacy and Legal Advice Center to raise awareness of corruption among citizens, inform them of their rights, and encourage them to report on cases of corruption (ICS 2016). Civil society activities do not have a significant impact on policy-making in Lebanon, only on rare occasions has civil society involvement resulted in legal change (BTI 2016). Nonetheless, during 2014 several NGOs launched anti-corruption initiatives such as the launching of the “Sakker al Dekkeneh” (Close the Shop) portal, where citizens can report on corruption (FitW 2015).